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Science 30 June 1972:
Vol. 176. no. 4042, pp. 1439 - 1440
DOI: 10.1126/science.176.4042.1439
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Articles

Pollinators in High-Elevation Ecosystems: Relative Effectiveness of Birds and Bees

Robert W. Cruden 1

1 Botany Department, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52240

During the rainy season bird-flowered plants at high elevations are more effectively pollinated than closely related bee-flowered plants. With good flight conditions the effectiveness of birds and bees is essentially equal. Thus, the higher incidence of bird flowers at higher elevations is attributable in part to the competitive advantage gained through greater reproductive success.


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