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The relationship between frugivory and insectivory in primates

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Abstract

Fruit and insects are two of the major components of primate diets. Previous investigators have often assumed that the consumption of fruit by primates was unassociated with the consumption of insects. We contend that much of what has been termed fruit-eating by primates involves a significant and deliberate ingestion of insects. The implications of this are discussed.

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Author notes

  1. Kent H. Redford & Gustavo A. Bouchardet da Fonseca

    Present address: Florida State Museum, University of Florida, Museum Road, 32611, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A.

  2. Thomas E. Lacher Jr.

    Present address: Huxley College of Environmental Studies, Western Washington University, 98225, Bellingham, Washington, U.S.A.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Harvard University, USA

    Kent H. Redford

  2. Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica, USA

    Gustavo A. Bouchardet da Fonseca

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  1. Kent H. Redford
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  2. Gustavo A. Bouchardet da Fonseca
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  3. Thomas E. Lacher Jr.
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Redford, K.H., Bouchardet da Fonseca, G.A. & Lacher, T.E. The relationship between frugivory and insectivory in primates. Primates 25, 433–440 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381666

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02381666

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