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. © 1986 Springer-Verlag.
CITATION STYLE
Coley, P. D. (1986). Costs and benefits of defense by tannins in a neotropical tree. Oecologia, 70(2), 238–241. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00379246
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