Not only squirrels do: the embryo excision behavior of Apodemus penlnsulae

摘要

Acorns of many white oak species exhibit no dormancy and germinate immediately or even before seed fall. This strategy is widely regarded as an adaptation to survive seed predation by small rodents (Yi ef al 2012). However, at least three species of squirrels (Sciurus carolinensls, S. aureogaster, S. niger) in NA and three in Asia (Callosciurus erythraeus, Sciurotamias davidianus and Dremomys rufigenis) excise the embryo of white oak acorns before storing them( Steele et al 2001), arresting development to allow long-term storage. Whether the behavior of embryo excision consists in several other mammal species has not been addressed. This study was to test whether wood mouse (Apodemus peninsulae) perform the excision behavior on several white oak species.