Santa Cruz Island Reserve

09 Sep, 05 PM - 15 Nov, 04 PM

Nut-bearing trees, such as oaks (Quercus spp.) and pines (Pinus spp.) often depend on a mutualistic interaction with food-storing birds for dispersal and subsequent colonization of novel habitats. Such interactions can be characterized by the selective pressures that the birds exert on the fruiting phenology of the trees. While many studies hypothesize the co-evolution of certain tree and bird species, few actually quantify the form and extent of the interactions. This study will investigate the evolutionary dynamics between the foraging and dispersal behavior of Island Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma insularis) and the fruiting phenology of the Island Scrub Oak (Quercus pacifica), providing insight into one aspect of the co-evolution between the species. Identifying the oak characteristics preferred by the jays will also increase our understanding of the parameters that make certain patches of habitat more attractive to the birds than others. As both the birds and the oaks are of conservation concern, it is crucial that we broaden our understanding of their evolutionary past, their current interactions and the dynamics of future developments while their habitat is recovering from human disturbance.

Visit #28282 @Santa Cruz Island Reserve

Approved

Under Project # 21597 | Research

Investigating the Co-Evolution of Island Scrub-Jays and Island Scrub Oaks

research_scientist - Cornell University

Reservation Members(s)

Mario Pesendorfer Sep 9 - Nov 15, 2010 (68 days)

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