International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 175-186 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 1 75 Research Article Open Access Mechanisms and Patterns of Seed Dispersal in Terrestrial Ecosystems Jiong Fu Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding email: jiong.fu@hitar.org International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2025.15.0018 Received: 21 May, 2025 Accepted: 10 Jul., 2025 Published: 28 Jul., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Fu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Fu J., 2025, Mechanisms and patterns of seed dispersal in terrestrial ecosystems, International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 15(4): 175-186 (doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2025.15.0018) Abstract This study systematically analyzed the mechanisms and patterns of seed propagation in terrestrial ecosystems, covering abiotic factors such as wind, water, and gravity, as well as biological factors such as birds, mammals, insects, and humans. Research shows that although long-distance transmission (LDD) events are relatively rare, they play a key role in species colonization, gene flow and distribution expansion. The spatial and temporal patterns, landscape structures and environmental heterogeneity jointly shape the dynamics of seed propagation, and the seed propagation network usually presents modular and nested characteristics. Human activities, such as habitat fragmentation, climate change and invasive species, cause significant disturbances in the transmission process, threatening biodiversity and the resilience of ecosystems. This study aims to provide a systematic framework for understanding how seed dispersal shapes terrestrial ecosystems and offer a scientific basis for formulating effective protection and management strategies. Keywords Seed dissemination; Ecological network; Long-distance transmission; Biodiversity Global changes 1 Introduction Whether plants can continue and spread in different environments often depends on the effect of seed propagation. It not only affects the survival of individual species, but also influences community structure and the diversity and resilience of ecosystems (McConkey et al., 2024; Pereira et al., 2025). After seeds leave their mother plants, interspecific competition will be alleviated, and density-dependent mortality rates will also decline, making them more adaptable to the constantly changing environment. It can thus be seen that the dissemination process itself has become an important force driving ecological functions and evolution (Rogers et al., 2021; Pereira et al., 2025). As for the mode of dissemination, there is no single path. Wind and water can carry away seeds, while the role of animals is particularly prominent. They often complete the long-distance transportation of plants in casual feeding or activities (Nathan et al., 2008; Harrer and Levi, 2018; Aguado et al., 2022). Many terrestrial plant populations are in fact highly dependent on this animal-mediated transmission (Reiserer et al., 2018; McConkey et al., 2024). These interactions not only sustain vegetation renewal and forest regeneration, but are also closely related to biodiversity conservation and the long-term interests of human society (Banos-Villalba et al., 2017; Godo et al., 2023). However, such a network is not stable and secure. With the fragmentation of habitats, the change of animal behavioral patterns and the continuous fluctuations of climate, the transmission process has gradually been disturbed, and the stability of the ecosystem has thus endured greater uncertainty (McConkey et al., 2012; Spengler, 2020; Rogers et al., 2021). This study aims to analyze the existing knowledge on seed dispersal mechanisms and patterns in terrestrial ecosystems, with a focus on exploring the diversity of dispersal media, the ecological and evolutionary consequences of dispersal. By integrating the results of cross group, cross landscape, and different research methods, we strive to clarify the roles of well studied and overlooked transmission factors, highlighting the interaction between transmission processes and ecosystem dynamics. This study aims to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding how seed dispersal shapes terrestrial ecosystems and to offer reference strategies for maintaining plant diversity and ecosystem functionality in a rapidly changing world.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==