Chapter 13 - Pollination, seed predation, and seed dispersal

Abstract

Pollination and seed predation and dispersal are key ecosystem processes that affect plant reproduction and fitness. Many plant species in temperate forests and grasslands rely on pollen and seed dispersal via wind. Other plant species, especially in tropical and desert ecosystems, rely on insect transport of pollen among relatively isolated individuals. Adaptations, such as nectar rewards, increase pollinator fidelity and pollination efficiency and are among the best-studied mutualisms. Seeds represent nutritious resources for many animals. Although seed predation greatly reduces plant reproduction, many plants provide nutritional resources in fruits to attract seed dispersers. Others form diaspores, consisting of a seed and a nutritive elaiosome, to attract ants. In both cases, seeds are moved to new sites where germination and survival may be enhanced, relative to remaining under the parent plant.