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. 1986 Sep;70(2):238-241.
doi: 10.1007/BF00379246.

Costs and benefits of defense by tannins in a neotropical tree

Phyllis D Coley  1
Affiliations

Costs and benefits of defense by tannins in a neotropical tree

Phyllis D Coley. Oecologia. 1986 Sep.

Abstract

The costs and benefits of defense by tannins were investigated for a neotropical tree, Cecropia peltata L. (Moraceae). Seedlings of equal age were grown under uniform conditions in a greenhouse for 18 months. Within a plant, leaf tannin concentrations measured in different years were highly correlated. Tannin concentrations differed substantially among individuals; plants with high tannin content had lower damage levels in herbivory experiments. The effects of tannin on herbivory appeared to be dosage dependent. There was, however, a cost associated with tannin production in terms of reduced leaf production.

Keywords: Cecropia; Defense; Herbivory; Neotropical trees; Tannins.

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