Abstract
Results are presented on three field experiments which tested the three hypotheses (i.e., parasitism hypothesis, mutualism hypothesis and aposematism hypothesis) on seed dispersal of mimetic fruits, using Ormosia arborea as focal species. The parasitism hypothesis state that fruits deceive seed dispersers because they provide no benefit instead take advantage of them. The mutualism hypothesis state that mimetic fruits of some species are ingested by terrestrial granivorous birds because hard-stoned seeds are used as grit to break down other food in the bird's gizzard. On the other hand, the aposematism hypothesis state that the colour of mimetic fruits is a warning signal of toxicity to seed predators, especially to parrots. The overall results of the experiments best support the parasitism hypothesis - mimetic fruits deceive avian frugivores - although such deception is extremely rare in the wild.