Topic
Seed dispersal
About: Seed dispersal is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 7829 publications have been published within this topic receiving 352493 citations. The topic is also known as: dispersal of seeds & dissemination of seeds.
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TL;DR: Any event that increases the efficiency of the predators at eating seeds and seedlings of a given tree species may lead to a reduction in population density of the adults of that species and/or to increased distance between new adults and their parents.
Abstract: A high number of tree species, low density of adults of each species, and long distances between conspecific adults are characteristic of many low-land tropical forest habitats. I propose that these three traits, in large part, are the result of the action of predators on seeds and seedlings. A model is presented that allows detailed examination of the effect of different predators, dispersal agents, seed-crop sizes, etc. on these three traits. In short, any event that increases the efficiency of the predators at eating seeds and seedlings of a given tree species may lead to a reduction in population density of the adults of that species and/or to increased distance between new adults and their parents. Either event will lead to more space in the habitat for other species of trees, and therefore higher total number of tree species, provided seed sources are available over evolutionary time. As one moves from the wet lowland tropics to the dry tropics or temperate zones, the seed and seedling predators in ...
4,267 citations
TL;DR: A general objective of this paper is to explore the degree to which dispersal process and mode are integrated and, in so doing, to catalyze their union.
Abstract: Identification of the selective forces on plant dispersal engenders theoretical argument, empirical study, and speculation. We separate evidence, testable hypotheses, and conjecture surrounding two major questions in dispersal ecology. The first asks what ecological, and ultimately evolutionary, advantages exist in seed dispersal. Astonishingly little is known about the advantages to a parent plant that are actually conferred by investment in dispersal structures. Does dispersal enable seeds and ultimately seedlings to escape mortality near the parent? Is continual recolonization of unstable habitats the primary advantage? Must seeds find rare microhabitats suitable for reestablishment? Such issues are addressed through joint consideration of dispersal and establishment-those stages both mediated by parental provisioning and subject to the highest mortality in the life of a plant. The second broad question asks what general and explicit environmental forces influence the timing and mode of dispersal. Do climates or seasons favor one dispersal mode over another? Do differences in number, size, morphology, or nutritional quality of fruits influence frugivore choice, and consequently differential dispersal of species or individuals within species? Studies of dispersal process and mode should be intimately connected. A general objective of this paper is to explore the degree to which they are integrated and, in so doing, to catalyze their union. We emphasize topics most in need of critical attention: the evolutionary ecology of dispersal process and mode. Excellent recent reviews consider such related topics as dispersal mechanism (131, 184), seed dormancy (1, 30), phytogeography (11, 115, 146), masting and predator satiation (105, 156), and succession (68, 69, 189).
3,424 citations
TL;DR: An analysis of twelve plant families indicated that species within families with predominately outcrossing, woody species had more genetic diversity and less interpopulation differentiation than species withinfamilies with predominate herbaceous species.
Abstract: Seven two-trait combinations (e.g. breeding system and seed dispersal mechanism) of five life history characteristics were used to analyse interspecific variation in the level and distribution of allozyme genetic diversity in seed plants. Highly significant differences were seen among categories for all seven comparisons. Life form and breeding system had highly significant influences on genetic diversity and its distribution. Regardless of other traits, outcrossing species tended to be more genetically diverse and had less genetic differentiation among their populations. Similarly, woody plants have less among population differentiation and somewhat more genetic diversity than non-woody species with similar life history traits. An analysis of twelve plant families indicated that species within families with predominately outcrossing, woody species had more genetic diversity and less interpopulation differentiation than species within families with predominately herbaceous species.
2,090 citations
TL;DR: Together with the development and refinement of mathematical models, this promises a deeper, more mechanistic understanding of dispersal processes and their consequences.
Abstract: Growing interest in spatial ecology is promoting new approaches to the study of seed dispersal, one of the key processes determining the spatial structure of plant populations. Seed-dispersion patterns vary among plant species, populations and individuals, at different distances from parents, different microsites and different times. Recent field studies have made progress in elucidating the mechanisms behind these patterns and the implications of these patterns for recruitment success. Together with the development and refinement of mathematical models, this promises a deeper, more mechanistic understanding of dispersal processes and their consequences.
1,884 citations
1,772 citations