Data from: Use of alpha, beta, and gamma diversity measures to characterize seed dispersal by animals

Seed dispersal shapes ecological and evolutionary dynamics of plant
populations. Here, we extend classical diversity measures to study the
impact of disperser behavior on seed dispersal. We begin by extending our
previous diversity structure approach, which partitioned seed source
diversity within and among dispersal sites, into the more general
framework of traditional diversity measures. This statistical approach
allows an assessment of the extent to which foraging behavior shapes α and
γ diversity, as well as the divergence in seed sources among dispersal
sites, which we call δ. We also introduce tests to facilitate comparisons
of diversity among dispersal sites and seed vectors and to compare overall
diversity among sampled systems. We then apply these tools to investigate
the diversity blend of parentage resulting from seed dispersal by two
avian seed vectors with very different social and foraging behaviors: (1)
acorn woodpeckers, transporting Quercus agrifolia acorns, and (2)
long-wattled umbrellabirds, transporting Oenocarpus bataua palm nuts.
Using these diversity and divergence measures, we test the hypothesis that
different foraging behaviors generate distinctive diversity partitions for
the two focal tree species. This approach provides a new tool for
assessment of the impact of dispersal agents on the seed source structure
of plant populations, which can be extended to include the impact of
virtually any propagule vector for a range of systems.