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Does the whistling thorn acacia (Acacia drepanolobium) use auditory aposematism to deter mammalian herbivores?

Authors :
Lev-Yadun S
Source :
Plant signaling & behavior [Plant Signal Behav] 2016 Aug 02; Vol. 11 (8), pp. e1207035.
Publication Year :
2016

Abstract

Auditory signaling including aposematism characterizes many terrestrial animals. Auditory aposematism by which certain animals use auditory aposematic signals to fend off enemies is well known for instance in rattlesnakes. Auditory signaling by plants toward animals and other plants is an emerging area of plant biology that still suffers from limited amount of solid data. Here I propose that auditory aposematism operates in the African whistling thorn acacia (Acacia drepanolobium = Vachellia drepanolobium). In this tree, the large and hollow thorn bases whistle when wind blows. This type of aposematism compliments the well-known conspicuous thorn and mutualistic ant based aposematism during day and may operate during night when the conspicuous thorns are invisible.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1559-2324
Volume :
11
Issue :
8
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Plant signaling & behavior
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
27359246
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/15592324.2016.1207035