Adaptations of whitebark pine for seed dispersal by Clark's Nutcracker

Authors(s): R. M. Lanner

Publication: Can J For Res

Publisher:

Publication Date: 0000-00-00

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Abstract: Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelm.) has large, energy-rich, windless seeds that are not wind dispersable, and indehiscent cones that retain their matured seeds within. Scales are easily broken off the cone axis, leaving many of the seeds exposed and held in the core of the cone. Cones are sessile on ascending limbs, and therefore conspicuous when viewed from above. These characteristics are adaptations to the foraging activities of Clarks' Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana Wilson), which removes seeds from cones and stores them in subsoil caches, thus permitting them to germinate and become established treet. It is hypothesized that speciation of the Cembrae pines has occurred through nutcracker-mediated selection exerted on conventional white pine antecedents.

Keywords: Bridger-Teton National Forest, Shoshone National Forest, Togwotee Pass, animal, mammal, bear, Ursidae, grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, food, bird, ornithology, Aves, Clark's Nutracker, Nucifraga columbiana