Seed dispersal as a search strategy: dynamic and fragmented landscapes select for multi-scale movement strategies in plants.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plant dispersal is a critical factor driving ecological responses to global changes. Knowledge on the mechanisms of dispersal is rapidly advancing, but selective pressures responsible for the evolution of dispersal strategies remain elusive. Recent advances in animal movement ecology identified general strategies that may optimize efficiency in animal searches for food or habitat. Here we explore the potential for evolution of similar general movement strategies for plants.

Methods

We propose that seed dispersal in plants can be viewed as a strategic search for suitable habitat, where the probability of finding such locations has been optimized through evolution of appropriate dispersal kernels. Using model simulations, we demonstrate how dispersal strategies can

SUBMITTER: Treep J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7845050 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature