Seed Dispersal as a Multiphase Process: Integrating Abiotic and Biotic Vectors Across Ecological Gradients

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Botany
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Seed dispersal is crucial for plant distribution, ecosystem functioning, and biodiversity.
• Current classifications of seed dispersal processes lack clarity.
• Understanding functional traits of dispersal systems is essential for elucidating plant distribution patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current knowledge on multiphase seed dispersal systems.
• To reframe diaspora dispersal as dynamic networks of transitions.
• To propose a network-based framework for modeling multiphase dispersal.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 115 bibliographical references.
• Synthesis of existing literature on seed dispersal processes.
• Development of a network-based modeling framework.

Main Results:

• Endozoochory and diploendozoochory are efficient and legitimate dispersal systems.
• A novel subtype of seed dispersal, triploendozoochory, is proposed.
• Multiphase dispersal is multifactorial, involving diaspores, agents, and environment.

Conclusions:

• Multiphase seed dispersal significantly impacts plant connectivity and ecosystem resilience.
• Interdisciplinary research is needed to quantify its role, especially under global change.
• Recognizing key multiphase vectors like predators and waterbirds is vital for conservation.