%0 Journal Article %A $authorName.trim() %A $authorName.trim() %A $authorName.trim() %T Pericarp thickness and seed size determine acorn dispersal of five rodent-dispersed oak species %D 2012 %R %J ACTA THERIOLOGICA SINICA %P 83-89 %V 32 %N 2 %X Because the seed-eating and-hoarding behaviors of animals are complicated by seed traits,the relationships between seed traits and seed dispersal in animal-dispersed plants are still contentious and need further study. Here,we examined acorn dispersal,both in the field and in enclosure,of five rodent-dispersed oak species (Quercus mongolica, Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata,Q. aliena,Q. variabilis and Q. liaotungensis)with different morphological and chemical traits, to further explore the complex interactions between seed traits and seed dispersal. The results of the field studies showed that acorns with large size and thick pericarp were more likely to be cached than eaten by small rodents, suggesting the importance of seed mass and seed coat thickness in determining seed dispersal at the community level of rodents. Large size and thick pericarp acorns were dispersed further in the field,supporting previous studies that seed dispersal distances are positively correlated with seed mass and seed coat thickness. However, in the enclosures, only pericarp thickness of acorns consistently influenced seed removal,dispersal,and caching by Tamias sibiricus at the population level. Our studies indicate that the effect of seed traits on seed dispersal can be different at population and community levels,and therefore some caution is required in elucidating rodent-mediated seed dispersal measures. %U http://www.mammal.cn/EN/abstract/article_2861.shtml