Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess the patterns of seed dispersal syndromes of woody plants from nine forest fragments distributed at different altitude levels on the Araripe plateau, in Pernambuco, Brazil. For data collection, we divided the altitudes within the region into three categories: lower level (altitudes ≤600 m); intermediate level (600< altitudes <750 m); and higher level (altitudes ≥750 m). We registered nine fragments, three per altitude level. In each of them, we distributed 20 rectangular sampling units with 250 m², totaling a sampling area of 4.5 ha. We quantified, collected, and identified woody plants with a diameter at breast height higher than or equal to 0.1 m (DBH 1.30 m ≥0.10 m). We characterized the dispersal syndrome according to the characteristics of the fruits and seeds and based on a literature review. In the whole region, we sampled 6,987 individuals, distributed in 35 families, 82 genera, and 153 species. Approximately 41% of all individuals are dispersed by animals, 37% by the plant’s own mechanisms, and 21% by the wind. In terms of dispersal, 47% of species were classified as zoochorous, 23% as autochorous, and 14% as anemochorous. Seed dispersal patterns vary according to altitude levels, with higher regions tending to present greater representativeness of biotic dispersers and lower ones, abiotic.
Highlights
The Araripe region has endured one of the greatest environmental impacts in recent years, since its native vegetation has been destroyed and replaced by anthropogenic landscapes, leading to the process of desertification in many areas
The analysis of the three levels demonstrates a tendency for an increase in the zoochorous dispersal and a decrease in the anemochorous and autochorous dispersal according to the elevation of the altitude
The pattern of dispersal syndromes may be associated with the degree of rainfall, since in Caatinga areas, which have severe droughts for the most part of the year, there is a predominance of abiotic dispersers
Summary
The Araripe region has endured one of the greatest environmental impacts in recent years, since its native vegetation has been destroyed and replaced by anthropogenic landscapes, leading to the process of desertification in many areas This issue is aggravated by the fact that these areas are mountainous regions subject to orographic effects, responsible for the formation of highly diverse micro-habitats. The topography is a geographical variable that causes environmental heterogeneity, mainly due to its influence on the distribution and intensity of rainfall, with a variation in the precipitation levels caused by the orographic effect from the topographic obstacles This variable is responsible for the formation of a complex composition of soils, with different grain sizes and fertility.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
