seeddispersal

Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant. This process affects gene flow, population structure, and species distributions, and it helps reduce competition for resources among offspring. Seed shadows, the spatial pattern of seed deposition, result from dispersal by abiotic and biotic agents.

Abiotic dispersal includes wind (anemochory), water (hydrochory), and gravity (barochory). Wind dispersal favors lightweight seeds with wings or fluff and can carry seeds long distances. Water dispersal relies on buoyant seeds or fruits that can float. Gravity dispersal usually results in short-distance deposition near the parent, sometimes aided by rolling, and can be enhanced by surface structures or small predators.

Biotic dispersal relies on animals. Endozoochory describes seeds transported after ingestion and later deposited in feces; epizoochory involves seeds that attach to fur, feathers, or clothing. Some plants use attractants like elaiosomes to entice ants (myrmecochory), while others depend on scatter-hoarding by animals, which can aid or hinder dispersal depending on caching behavior and seed fate.

Dispersal patterns influence colonization, range expansion, and genetic diversity. There are trade-offs between dispersal distance and seed quality; many species produce numerous small seeds with far dispersal, while others invest in fewer large seeds with better establishment. Landscape structure, climate, and animal behavior shape realized dispersal distances.

Studying dispersal involves field observations, seed-trap experiments, marking and tracking studies, and genetic analyses, often combined with spatial modeling. Applications include restoring degraded habitats, designing reserves, and managing invasive species. Understanding dispersal helps predict plant responses to environmental change.