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How does pollen versus seed dispersal affect niche evolution?

Robin Aguilée1, Frank H Shaw, François Rousset

  • 1Université Montpellier 2, CNRS, Institut des Sciences de l'Évolution de Montpellier, Montpellier, France. robin.aguilee@univ-tlse3.fr

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This summary is machine-generated.

Species niche width evolution depends on seed and pollen dispersal. High seed dispersal can lead to extinction, while greater seed dispersal generally results in wider species niches.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Population genetics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Dispersal (seed and pollen) significantly impacts population genetics and demography in heterogeneous landscapes.
  • Understanding the interplay between dispersal, local adaptation, and niche width evolution is crucial for predicting species responses to environmental changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of pollen versus seed dispersal on the evolution of niche width in heterogeneous habitats.
  • To investigate the feedback between maladaptation and demography in shaping niche evolution.
  • To identify critical genetic variance thresholds for niche contraction and expansion.

Main Methods:

  • Analytical modeling to determine critical genetic variance levels for niche evolution.
  • Simulations to observe niche evolution with freely varying genetic variance.
  • Consideration of two scenarios: secondary contact and colonization of a new habitat.

Main Results:

  • Niche contraction is favored in highly dissimilar habitats and is accelerated by increased gene flow, particularly when pollen dispersal predominates.
  • Niche expansion occurs in less heterogeneous habitats, with seed dispersal promoting it and pollen dispersal hindering it.
  • Excessive seed dispersal in either scenario can lead to population extinction.

Conclusions:

  • The relative importance of seed versus pollen dispersal critically influences niche width evolution.
  • Species with a higher seed-to-pollen dispersal ratio are predicted to exhibit wider ecological niches.
  • Dispersal strategies play a key role in species' adaptive potential and survival in changing environments.