endozoochory

Endozoochory is a seed dispersal mechanism in which seeds are eaten by animals and subsequently dispersed after passing through the animal’s digestive system. Seeds are typically within fleshy fruits, and after ingestion they travel through the gut and are excreted in feces away from the parent plant. In many cases, germination benefits from gut passage, but some seeds may be damaged or destroyed during digestion.

The process relies on interactions between plants and their animal dispersers. Plants produce fruits with appealing pulp or aromas to attract frugivores, while seeds often possess traits that help them survive digestion, such as hard coats or chemical resistance. The retention time of seeds in the gut, the animal’s diet, and the specific gut environment influence whether seeds remain viable and how far they are dispersed. Endozoochory can move seeds long distances, especially when migratory birds or wide-ranging mammals are involved, and fecal deposition can create nutrient-rich microsites that aid seedling establishment.

Ecological significance is substantial. Endozoochory contributes to gene flow among plant populations, facilitates colonization of new areas, and supports complex plant–animal interaction networks. It can also affect plant community structure by altering seed shadows and recruitment patterns. However, viability is not guaranteed; a portion of ingested seeds is destroyed, and some species rely on particular dispersers or gut conditions to achieve successful germination.

Endozoochory is distinct from exozoochory, where seeds are dispersed externally by attachment to fur or feathers. It is especially important for many tropical and temperate fruiting plants that rely on birds, bats, primates, and other mammals for seed dispersal.