Hiking up to the next plot…
Plants produce thousands of secondary metabolites ? chemical compounds that mediate ecological interactions ? but the roles of most of these compounds remain unknown, especially outside of leaves. Fruits are particularly rich in secondary metabolites, which shape interactions with seed dispersers, seed predators, and pathogens. However, the ecological effects of fruit secondary metabolites are complex and context-dependent ? the same compound can influence multiple frugivores with opposing effects (e.g., toxins can repel both harmful seed predators and beneficial seed dispersers), and compounds can have synergistic effects. To understand the ecological and evolutionary significance of fruit secondary metabolites, it is therefore essential to determine the combined effects of multiple compounds on a range of frugivores. I propose to investigate how the concentrations and diversity of nutrients and defensive secondary metabolites mediate interactions surrounding fruit. Using observational field and lab studies, experimental manipulations of fruit chemistry, and analytical chemistry techniques, I will assess patterns of secondary metabolite allocation to fruits, as well as how chemical composition and diversity shape seed dispersal and fruit defense. This research will improve understanding of processes critical to plant reproduction and evolution, with potential applications to conservation and agriculture. The data generated will provide the foundation for the PI to establish a longer-term research program at RMBL.