Branch-cutting behavior by the vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) |
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Authors: | Jacqueline Roy Jean -Marie Bergeron |
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Affiliation: | (1) Ecology, Nutrition, and Energetics Research Group Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, J1K 2R1 Sherbrooke, QC, Canada |
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Abstract: | While investigating the preferences of meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) toward various coniferous species, we noted they often cut the branches of young trees, and then left them lying on the snow for two days or more before eating them completely. We tested whether this behavioral manipulation of a potential food resource resulted in a decrease in the level of secondary metabolites in branches. We found that after being cut for more than three days, the branches of young conifers had significantly less phenolics and condensed tannins. These postmanipulation levels of secondary metabolites were similar to those found in preferred summer food resources. Voles were thus capable of transforming a low-quality resource into one that was more compatible with their feeding patterns and detoxification mechanisms. |
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Keywords: | Meadow vole Microtus pennsylvanicus plant-animal interaction conifers phenolics tannins |
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