Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Berries are Simultaneously Attractive to Birds and Repulsive to Mammals

Berries are usually brightly pigmented with primary colors, for example Ilex americana (Holly) or Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato). In contrast, berries of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv display bright patterns of pigments (red, green, blue and many intermediate shades) to attract animals...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of botany : IJB 2010-03, Vol.6 (1), p.35-40
Main Authors: Witty, M., Yard, A., Kinard, J.L., O. Adekunl, Ruth
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata
Aves
Ilex
Lycopersicon esculentum
Solanum
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Summary:Berries are usually brightly pigmented with primary colors, for example Ilex americana (Holly) or Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato). In contrast, berries of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv display bright patterns of pigments (red, green, blue and many intermediate shades) to attract animals and achieve seed dispersal. Our primary aim was to elucidate this unusual feature of A. brevipedunculata. In addition to this attractive feature, during our study we noticed two kinds of chemical structures that repel chewing animals and favor non-chewing animals; brittle (lignified) multicellular containers of poison (polyphenolic tannins) and idioblasts with raphides of calcium oxalate. Our secondary aim was to understand these contrasting features of A. brevipedunculata berries. Color changes may not be explained by simple changes in pH within pigment cells, titrating anthocyanins between various color forms. However, a RBVG (Red, Blue, Violet and Green) or Tetrachromatic Color model of animal vision can explain the formation of intermediate colors and pattern formation in these berries and suggests the target for berry attraction is birds not mammals because in addition to the three color receptors seen in humans, birds use a fourth near-ultraviolet receptors to achieve tetrachromatic vision. This is consistent with anatomical observations presented.
ISSN:1811-9700
DOI:10.3923/ijb.2010.35.40