epizoochorous

Epizoochorous refers to a mode of seed or spore dispersal where propagules are carried externally on the bodies of animals. This is a specific type of zoochory, the general term for dispersal by animals. Epizoochory involves seeds or spores attaching to an animal's fur, feathers, scales, or skin, and then being transported to a new location when the animal moves.

This dispersal mechanism is particularly effective for species that produce small, lightweight seeds or spores that can easily adhere to surfaces. Many aquatic plants, for example, rely on epizoochory, with their seeds or plant fragments attaching to the feathers or legs of waterfowl. Similarly, terrestrial plants can use this method, with seeds sticking to the fur of mammals.

The effectiveness of epizoochory depends on several factors. The sticky nature of the seeds or spores, the type of animal acting as the vector, the animal's movement patterns, and the environmental conditions at the arrival site all play a role. When the animal sheds the attached propagules, typically through grooming or molting, the seeds or spores are deposited in a new habitat, potentially far from the parent plant. This can be crucial for plant colonization of new areas or for maintaining genetic diversity across populations.