Seasonality and morphological variation shape intraspecific seed dispersal networks in gopher tortoises

Intraspecific variation within animal seed disperser populations can influence the structure and function of plant-animal networks, with important consequences for vegetation dynamics and consumer behavior. However, such variation remains poorly studied. We used an individual-based bipartite network approach to examine how morphological traits (e.g., carapace size) and seasonality (wet vs. dry season) shape seed dispersal interactions of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) inhabiting South Florida’s hyper-diverse pine rockland ecosystem. Over 1.5 years, we dissected fecal samples from 14 radio-tracked tortoises and identified seeds from 55 plant species. The annual tortoise–plant network was significantly modular and specialized but not nested, indicating that distinct subsets of tortoises and plants interacted more frequently with each other than expected by chance. Larger individuals were more generalized and dispersed a greater diversity of seeds than smaller tortoises. Seasonal s..., , , # Data from: Seasonality and morphological variation shape intraspecific seed dispersal networks in gopher tortoises

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.70rxwdc8c](10.5061/dryad.70rxwdc8c)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset was collected as part of a 1.5-year field study examining how intraspecific variation and seasonal dynamics shape seed dispersal networks in gopher tortoises (*Gopherus polyphemus*) inhabiting South Florida’s pine rockland ecosystem. Fourteen radio-tracked tortoises were monitored via telemetry across three spatially distinct sites in the Richmond Tract of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Fecal samples were opportunistically collected and dissected to identify seeds consumed and dispersed by each individual tortoise. For each sample, the date, tortoise ID, and GPS location were recorded. Identified seeds were categorized by plant species and dispersal syndrome (e.g., endozoochorous vs. other). Morphological traits—including straight-line carapace length...,