Data from: Seed size predicts global effects of small mammal seed predation on plant recruitment

We conducted a global literature review and meta-analysis to evaluate
whether seed size could predict post-dispersal seed predator effects on
seed removal and plant recruitment,
respectively.  Datasets were built using data extracted
from published studies focusing on seed predation by small mammals (see
Methods for criteria and data extraction protocol).  We found
that seed size predicted small mammal seed removal rates and their impacts
on plant recruitment consistent with optimal foraging theory, with
intermediate seed sizes most strongly impacted globally - for both native
and exotic plants.  However, differences in seed size
distributions among ecosystems conditioned seed predation patterns, with
relatively larger-seeded species most strongly affected in grasslands
(smallest seeds), and relatively smaller-seeded species most strongly
affected in tropical forests (largest seeds).  Such
size-dependent seed predation has profound implications for coexistence
among plants because it may enhance or weaken opposing life-history
tradeoffs in an ecosystem-specific manner.  Our results suggest
that seed size may serve as a key life-history trait that can integrate
consumer effects to improve understandings of plant coexistence.