Researchers in Brazil compared leaf damage caused by insects and pathogens in areas with and without the presence of mammals such as tapirs, deer and peccaries. Absence of the animals led to loss of microorganisms that cause leaf disease, potentially affecting long-term eco-evolutionary processes and reducing biodiversity in tropical forests.
TitleLoss of large herbivores affects interactions between plants and their natural enemies, study shows
DescriptionResearchers in Brazil compared leaf damage caused by insects and pathogens in areas with and without the presence of mammals such as tapirs, deer and peccaries. Absence of the animals led to loss of microorganisms that cause leaf disease, potentially affecting long-term eco-evolutionary processes and reducing biodiversity in tropical forests.
Producer/AuthorAndre Juliao
URLhttps://agencia.FAPESP.br/loss-of-large-herbivores-affects-interactions-between-plants-and-their-natural-enemies-study-shows/51580