水淹干扰对松嫩草原三种禾草种群分布格局的影响

为探明1998年水灾对松嫩草原禾本科植物种群分布格局的影响,对不同水淹干扰梯度上的羊草、碱茅和野稗种群进行了格局分析和对比研究.结果表明:三种禾草主要表现为集聚型分布,水淹干扰对同一物种种群的分布格局类型影响不显著;水淹干扰通过促进土壤物质的水平交流,降低了土壤异质性,从而减小了靠种子繁殖的禾草(如碱茅、野稗)种群的分布格局强度;水淹干扰对靠地下根茎扩繁种群的羊草的分布格局规模影响甚微,对靠种子繁殖种群的禾草的分布格局规模有一定程度的影响;洪水对种子等繁殖体的二次散布作用对种子的分布产生影响,使得后续生长的种群更加趋于随机分布.     

宁夏荒漠草原不同群落蒙古冰草种群空间格局及种间关联性

为探讨蒙古冰草种群对环境的适应对策,以宁夏盐池县荒漠草原短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落、蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落、蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落为研究对象,采用点格局分析中的O-ring函数统计方法,分析了不同群落中蒙古冰草种群的数量特征、分布类型及优势种群的种间关联性。结果表明:不同群落生境条件下,蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落中蒙古冰草种群的密度、盖度和地上生物量显著高于短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落和蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落(P<0.05),3个群落之间蒙古冰草种群的高度差异不显著(P<0.05)。不同群落生境蒙古冰草种群在<4 m尺度范围内主要表现为聚集分布,随尺度增大,聚集强度减弱,逐渐过渡到随机分布和均匀分布。蒙古冰草种群与短花针茅种群、蒙古冰草种群与牛枝子种群在小于4 m尺度上呈显著负关联,随尺度的增大趋于无关联;蒙古冰草种群与牛心朴子种群在整个研究尺度上无关联。     

宁夏荒漠草原不同群落蒙古冰草种群空间格局及种间关联性

为探讨蒙古冰草种群对环境的适应对策,以宁夏盐池县荒漠草原短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落、蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落、蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落为研究对象,采用点格局分析中的O-ring函数统计方法,分析了不同群落中蒙古冰草种群的数量特征、分布类型及优势种群的种间关联性。结果表明:不同群落生境条件下,蒙古冰草+牛枝子群落中蒙古冰草种群的密度、盖度和地上生物量显著高于短花针茅+蒙古冰草群落和蒙古冰草+牛心朴子群落(P0.05),3个群落之间蒙古冰草种群的高度差异不显著(P0.05)。不同群落生境蒙古冰草种群在4 m尺度范围内主要表现为聚集分布,随尺度增大,聚集强度减弱,逐渐过渡到随机分布和均匀分布。蒙古冰草种群与短花针茅种群、蒙古冰草种群与牛枝子种群在小于4 m尺度上呈显著负关联,随尺度的增大趋于无关联;蒙古冰草种群与牛心朴子种群在整个研究尺度上无关联。     

高寒草甸矮嵩草群落10种植物的种群空间分布格局及其关系

运用两项局部样方方差(TTLQV)法和成对样方方差(PQV)法对高寒草甸矮嵩草群落中10种植物种群空问分布格局的类型、规模、强度和纹理进行了测定,根据不同区组规模/间隔上两物种间的相关系数r_(i,j),对分布格局的相互关系进行了分析。结果表明:所调查种群的分布格局都呈集聚分布;密度格局强度与环境格局强度在种间的变化基本一致;格局的强度与纹理之间并无直接关系;种群分布格局间的关系表明了种间发生相互作用的基本生境尺度。     

西鄂尔多斯狭叶锦鸡儿种群分布格局

在内蒙古高原西鄂尔多斯选不同盖度的狭叶锦鸡儿样地进行实地调查,根据植株体积划分龄级,运用点格局分析法对狭叶锦鸡儿种群分布格局及龄级之间的空间关联性进行研究。结果表明:狭叶锦鸡儿空间分布格局和空间关联性与空间尺度、植株发育程度及环境异质性有密切联系,在小尺度下趋向于随机分布,随尺度增大呈聚集分布;低盖度种群为典型的增长型种群,随着盖度的增加成长为稳定型种群;随植株龄级逐步增大,种群分布类型由聚集分布向随机分布转化;种群龄级相差越大,空间正关联性越弱。     

艾丁湖盐角草种子异型性及萌发特性

盐角草(Salicornia europaea)为藜科(Chenopodiaceae)盐角草属(Salieornia)植物.本研究以吐鲁番艾丁湖盐角草种子为对象,通过野外采集,室内试验的方法,对种子形态、散布方式、变温萌发特征进行研究.结果表明,盐角草存在3种类型的种子(简称A型、B型和C型);A型种子主要分布于穗状花序的中央花位上,有翅状附属物,直径为(2.496±0.264) mm,种子容易从母体上脱离,可随风传播到较远的距离,具有相对较宽范围的萌发温度,萌发率高(超过80％);B型种子分布于穗状花序的边花位上,有翅状附属物但较为短小,直径为(1.709±0.181) mm,种子较易从母体上脱离,脱落后散布于母体附近或可随风传播至较远的距离,萌发率和萌发速度略低于A型种子;C型种子随机分布于植株中下部穗状花序的边花位上,直径仅为(1.115±0.085) mm;C型种子不易脱落,只能散落在母体底部或是附近,萌发率低(低于10％),种子休眠率高.     

多年生人工草地矮生嵩草(Kobresia humilis)种群空间格局与种内关联性

植物种群空间分布格局不仅反映植物的空间分布特点,还有助于研究者了解植物利用资源的现状和生存能力。本研究以矮生嵩草(Kobresia humilis)为研究对象,按株丛斑块面积将矮生嵩草分为小斑块级株丛(0～30 cm²)、中斑块级株丛(30～80 cm²)和大斑块级株丛(>80 cm²)3个株丛级,采用点格局分析的g函数统计方法,分析了矮生嵩草各级株丛的空间格局及关联性。结果表明：矮生嵩草种群中小斑块级株丛占比高于中斑块、大斑块级株丛占比,种群中幼苗充足,正处于稳定的增长阶段;矮生嵩草小斑块、中斑块、大斑块级株丛在小尺度范围内表现为聚集分布,随着尺度的增大,所有株丛斑块的聚集程度减弱,逐渐趋向于随机分布;小斑块与中斑块、大斑块的矮生嵩草株丛在小尺度内表现为正关联。斑块聚集分布和相互共存是矮生嵩草的一种生存策略。     

微孔草种群空间格局及特征的研究

微孔草是由种子到种子的有性繁殖植物,在繁殖生长过程中常因生境差异、气候变化、繁殖和社群反应呈现出成群星散或成簇生长的空间格局,种群的个体呈随机分布,并因生境的改变或物种竞争而改变分布区或在分布区中随着时间的变化而使种群扩大或缩小.微孔草生长地的单位空间容纳量中包括了各种植物与环境间的相互作用,从而使微孔草受到种内和种间密度制约而使种群的数量发生变化.     

矮嵩草两种群结构水平的空间分布

用两项局部样方方差（ＴＴＬＱＶ）法和成对样方方差（ＰＱＶ）法研究了高寒矮嵩草草甸优势植物矮嵩草（Ｋｏｂｒｅｓｉａｈｕｍｉｌｉｓ）源株种群（ｇｅｎｅｔｐｏｐｕｌａｔｉｏｎ）和分株种群（ｒａｍｅｔｐｏｐｕｌａｔｉｏｎ）的空间分布格局。以方差均值比率（Ｓ￣２／Ｘ）的ｔ－检验和Ｘ￣２－检验对分布型进行检测。结果表明矮嵩草两种群结构水平的空间分布型完全不同，源株种群为随机分布，分株种群则为集聚分布。分株种群集聚分布格局的规模、强度和纹理在水平空间上与放牧强度的变化表现出一致性的关系。     

糙隐子草种群在不同放牧强度下的小尺度空间格局

利用Ripley's K函数, 在0～100 cm的空间尺度域上定量分析了4种放牧强度--无牧(0 只/hm2羊)、轻牧(1.33 只/hm2羊)、中牧(4.00 只/hm2羊)、重牧(6.67 只/hm2羊)下糙隐子草种群的空间格局及其随尺度的变化规律;用蒙特卡罗(Monte Carlo)随机模拟方法估计了(t)的置信限.研究了放牧对糙隐子草种群空间格局的影响以及糙隐子草在不同放牧条件下的斑块大小,并进一步以放牧条件下糙隐子草的生活史特征、生态适应对策以及群落内植物种间的相互作用为基础,探讨产生和维持这些格局的机理.研究结果表明:1)放牧显著影响糙隐子草种群空间格局,即使在同一放牧强度下在不同尺度(0～100 cm)上糙隐子草种群的空间格局也显著不同;2)在0～100 cm尺度上,糙隐子草种群的空间格局在无牧条件下为均匀分布,在轻牧和中牧条件下为集聚分布.重牧条件下,糙隐子草种群的空间分布在0～42 cm尺度上为集聚分布,而在42～100 cm尺度上为均匀分布,这与其自身的生物学特性和种群对放牧压力的生态适应对策密切相关;3)不同放牧条件下,糙隐子草种群的斑块大小不同;4)放牧活动的加剧改变了群落中的各种过程,并最终代替群落中的种间竞争过程而成为决定群落内物种分布的主导过程,这为在放牧活动的干预下,退化草原群落演替规律的研究提供了理论依据.     

Scatter‐hoarding rodents as secondary seed dispersers of a frugivore‐dispersed tree Scleropyrum wallichianum in a defaunated Xishuangbanna tropical forest,China

Local extinction or population decline of large frugivorous vertebrates as primary seed dispersers, caused by human disturbance and habitat change, might lead to dispersal limitation of many large‐seeded fruit trees. However, it is not known whether or not scatter‐hoarding rodents as secondary seed dispersers can help maintain natural regeneration (e.g. seed dispersal) of these frugivore‐dispersed trees in the face of the functional reduction or loss of primary seed dispersers. In the present study, we investigated how scatter‐hoarding rodents affect the fate of tagged seeds of a large‐seeded fruit tree (Scleropyrum wallichianum Arnott, 1838, Santalaceae) from seed fall to seedling establishment in a heavily defaunated tropical forest in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan Province, in southwest China, in 2007 and 2008. Our results show that: (i) rodents removed nearly all S. wallichianum seeds in both years; (ii) a large proportion (2007, 75%; 2008, 67.5%) of the tagged seeds were cached individually in the surface soil or under leaf litters; (iii) dispersal distance of primary caches was further in 2007 (19.6 ± 14.6 m) than that in 2008 (14.1 ± 11.6 m), and distance increased as rodents recovered and moved seeds from primary caches into subsequent caching sites; and (iv) part of the cached seeds (2007, 3.2%; 2008, 2%) survived to the seedling stage each year. Our study suggests that by taking roles of both primary and secondary seed dispersers, scatter‐hoarding rodents can play a significant role in maintaining seedling establishment of S. wallichianum, and are able to at least partly compensate for the loss of large frugivorous vertebrates in seed dispersal.     

Endozoochory of frugivorous birds as potential dispersal of seed parasites from Pistacia chinesis: experimental evidence

The plant–disperser–fruit pest triads involve 3 interacting animals or groups (plants, vertebrates and seed parasites), and the dispersal of both seeds and seed parasites, which can both benefit from endozoochory via defecation or regurgitation by frugivorous vertebrates. However, we have very limited knowledge about the ecological and evolutionary consequences of these plant–disperser–fruit pest triads. Across central Northern China, several seed wasps (mainly Eurytoma plotnikov attack Pistacia chinensis fruits, and seed wasp larvae can develop, diapause and finally emerge as adults inside a seed during the following 1–3 years. In this study, we experimentally investigated whether frugivorous birds discriminated P. chinesis fruits with or without seed parasites, and whether bird endozoochory (by defecation or regurgitation) affected larval survival of seed parasites. The infestation rate by seed parasites was 37% of the P. chinesis fruit crop but with up to 48% of aborted fruits. We found that all 5 bird species can discriminate and then reject all unhealthy fruits (including aborted and insect‐infested). However, 4 of the 5 bird species, in particular bulbul species, consumed 15–41% of aborted and insect‐infested fruits as complementary food only when these unhealthy fruits were provided. Moreover, all larva of seed parasites remained alive after bird defecation or regurgitation. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that endozoochory by frugivorous birds could lead to potential dispersal of seed parasites of P. chinensis but with a very low probability.     

Seed handling by primary frugivores differentially influence post‐dispersal seed removal of Chinese yew by ground‐dwelling animals

Seed handling by primary frugivores can influence secondary dispersal and/or predation of post‐dispersal seeds by attracting different guilds of ground‐dwelling animals. Many studies have focused on seeds embedded in feces of mammals or birds; however, less is known about how ground‐dwelling animals treat seeds regurgitated by birds (without pulp and not embedded in feces). To compare the effect of differential seed handling by primary dispersers on secondary seed removal of Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis var. mairei), we conducted a series of exclosure experiments to determine the relative impact of animals on the removal of defecated seeds (handled by masked palm civet), regurgitated seeds (handled by birds) and intact fruits. All types of yew seeds were consistently removed at a higher rate by rodents than by ants. Regurgitated seeds had the highest removal percentage and were only removed by rodents. These seeds were probably eaten in situ without being secondarily dispersed. Defecated seeds were removed by both rodents and ants; only ants might act as secondary dispersers of defecated seeds, whereas rodents ate most of them. We inferred that seeds regurgitated by birds were subjected to the highest rates of predation, whereas those dispersed in the feces of masked palm civets probably had a higher likelihood of secondary dispersal. Seeds from feces attracted ants, which were likely to transport seeds and potentially provided a means by which the seeds could escape predation by rodents. Our study highlighted that primary dispersal by birds might not always facilitate secondary dispersal and establishment of plant populations.     

家畜排泄物对牧草种子传播和萌发的作用

放牧调控牧草的生殖格局,包括牧草有性繁殖和无性繁殖分配、种子生产、传播和萌发等,其中家畜的排泄物是重要的作用途径之一。放牧家畜的排泄物促进种子生产、远距离扩散和种子萌发,同时也会损伤种子、抑制萌发等。本文从种子生产、传播及萌发等方面阐述放牧家畜排泄物对牧草种子的作用,认为其是牧草自然更新有效途径之一。放牧家畜排泄物能够增加种子产量、采食几率、散布距离及改变萌发自身与生境条件,从而提高种子传播数量和质量,以促进牧草的有效自然更新。通过了解家畜排泄物在牧草种子传播和萌发中的作用并再此基础上探讨牧草自然更新的机制,以期为草地更新和退化草地恢复提供理论参考。     

Fluctuation in seed abundance has contrasting effects on the fate of seeds from two rapidly germinating tree species in an Asian tropical forest

The seed predator satiation hypothesis states that high seed abundance can satiate seed predators or seed dispersers, thus promoting seed survival. However, for rapidly germinating seeds in tropical forests, high seed abundance may limit dispersal as the seeds usually remain under parent trees for long periods, which may lead to high mortality due to rodent predation or fungal infestations. By tracking 2 species of rapidly germinating seeds (Pittosporopsis kerrii, family Icacinaceae; Camellia kissi, family Theaceae), which depend on dispersal by scatter‐hoarding rodents, we investigated the effects of seed abundance at the community level on predation and seed dispersal in the tropical forest of Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Southwest China. We found that high seed abundance at the community level was associated with delayed and reduced seed removal, decreased dispersal distance and increased pre‐dispersal seed survival for both plant species. High seed abundance was also associated with reduced seed caching of C. kissi, but it showed little effect on seed caching of P. kerrii. However, post‐dispersal seed survival for the 2 plant species followed the reverse pattern. High seed abundance in the community was associated with higher post‐dispersal survival of P. kerrii seeds, but with lower post‐dispersal survival of C. kissi seeds. Our results suggest that different plant species derive benefit from fluctuations in seed production in different ways.     

Does multiple seed loading in Blue Jays result in selective dispersal of smaller acorns?

Studies from both tropical and temperate systems show that scatter‐hoarding rodents selectively disperse larger seeds farther from their source than smaller seeds, potentially increasing seedling establishment in larger‐seeded plants. Size‐biased dispersal is evident in many oaks (Quercus) and is true both across and within species. Here, we predict that intraspecifc variation in seed size also influences acorn dispersal by the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata Linnaeus), but in an opposite manner. Blue Jays are gape‐limited and selectively disperse smaller acorn species (e.g. pin oaks [Quercus palustris Münchh]), but often carry several acorns in their crop during a single dispersal event. We predict that jays foraging on smaller acorns will load more seeds per trip and disperse seeds to greater distances than when single acorns are carried in the bill. To test this, we presented free‐ranging Blue Jays with pin oak acorns of different sizes over a 2‐year period. In each of 16 experimental trials, we monitored the birds at a feeding station with remote cameras and determined the number of acorns removed and the distance acorns were dispersed when cached. Jays were significantly more likely to engage in multiple seed loading with smaller seeds in both years of the study. During the second year, these smaller acorns were dispersed farther than larger acorns, and during the first year, larger acorns were dispersed farther, revealing an inconsistent response to seed size during our study. We suggest that in some circumstances, multiple seed loading by Blue Jays may favor dispersal in some plant species.     

低温层积处理对干旱和深埋胁迫下黑果枸杞出苗的影响研究

以低温层积处理和室温干燥储藏下的黑果枸杞果实和种子为研究对象,以沙为基质,对PEG-6000溶液模拟不同强度干旱胁迫及不同沙埋深度下的出苗率、出苗势、出苗指数及恢复发芽率进行研究。结果表明:1)对比PEG 溶液胁迫下的CK组,低温层积处理种子和果实出苗率比室温干燥处理分别提高了60.00%和16.66%,起始出苗天数分别缩短了7、9 d,说明低温层积能有效破除黑果枸杞种子和果实的休眠,提高其出苗率和出苗速率。2)在-0.03、-0.10 MPa PEG 溶液高渗透势下,种子和低温层积果实的出苗指标与CK处理差异性不显著(P>0.05),表明轻度的干旱胁迫不影响种子和低温层积的果实出苗,未层积处理的果实随干旱胁迫的加剧出苗各项指标呈阶梯式显著降低;-0.10 MPa PEG溶液的干旱胁迫成为黑果枸杞出苗的阈值。而干旱胁迫解除后,种子和果实仍能恢复萌发。3)种子和果实的最适播种深度分别为1和3 cm。可直接利用黑果枸杞果实播种育苗,是一件省时、省工且出苗率较高的一项适用技术。     

Internal dispersal of seed‐inhabiting insects by vertebrate frugivores: a review and prospects

The finding that some seed‐inhabiting insects can survive passage through the entire digestive tract of seed‐dispersing vertebrates is relatively recent, but evidence suggests that it does occur. Here, I document this phenomenon, discuss its qualitative and quantitative dimensions, and offer suggestions for further research. The few documented cases that I review include plant species belonging to different families, with varied fleshy fruit types, number of seeds per fruit and seed size. The vertebrate frugivores involved include passerines that feed on relatively small fruits, and galliforms, and perissodactyls and primates that feed on larger fruits. The seed‐inhabiting insects involved are the larvae of seed‐infesting wasps, parasitoid wasps and seed‐infesting beetles. The phenomenon has been verified in open, rural ecosystems in North America and Southern Europe, and in tropical and subtropical forests in South America. These varied scenarios suggest that the qualitative dimension of the phenomenon is considerably greater than known thus far. A simple method for detecting new events is proposed. However, research must also focus on the identity and biology of seed‐feeding insects of wild fleshy fruits and their parasitoids. High survival rates of seed‐inhabiting insects after vertebrate gut passage are predominant. This phenomenon generally appears to favor insect dispersal.     

Medusahead Dispersal and Establishment in Sagebrush Steppe Plant Communities

Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae [L.] Nevski) is an invasive annual grass that reduces biodiversity and production of rangelands. To prevent medusahead invasion land managers need to know more about its invasion process. Specifically, they must know about 1) the timing and spatial extent of medusahead seed dispersal and 2) the establishment rates and interactions with plant communities being invaded. The timing and distance medusahead seeds dispersed from invasion fronts were measured using seed traps along 23 35-m transects. Medusahead establishment was evaluated by introducing medusahead at 1, 10, 100, 1 000, and 10 000 seeds · m⁻² at 12 sites. Most medusahead seeds dispersed less than 0.5 m from the invasion front (P < 0.01) and none were captured beyond 2 m. Medusahead seeds dispersed from the parent plants from early July to the end of October. More seeds were trapped in August than in the other months (P < 0.01). Medusahead establishment increased with higher seed introduction rates (P < 0.01). Medusahead density was negatively correlated to tall tussock perennial grass density and positively correlated to annual grass density of the preexisting plant communities (P = 0.02). Medusahead cover was also negatively correlated with tall tussock perennial grass density (P = 0.03). The results suggest that containment barriers around medusahead infestations would only have to be a few meters wide to be effective. This study also suggests that promoting or maintaining tall tussock perennial grass in areas at risk of invasion can reduce the establishment success of medusahead. Tall tussock perennial grass and annual grass density, in combination with soil data, may be useful in predicting susceptibility to medusahead invasion.     

Endozoochorous seed dispersal by golden snub-nosed monkeys in a temperate forest

Seed dispersal is essential for plant recruitment and the maintenance of biodiversity. Colobine monkeys are primarily folivorous, but they also consume fruits and are often assumed to be seed predators. Although they are known to be epizoochorous seed dispersers, their role as endozoochorous seed dispersers needs reassessment. We examined potential endozoochory in golden snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus roxellana) at Dalongtan in Shennongjia National Park, central China, by assessing potential germination of ingested seeds (n = 1806, 9 species) from fecal samples. Intact seeds were in almost all fecal samples (ranging from 5–130 seeds), and ingested seeds were from small seeded species (seed width <4.5 mm). The 2 most abundant species were Actinidia arguta (73%) and Rosa caudata (15%). The fruits of A. arguta were unripe when ingested (i.e. effective seed predation) and the ingested seeds did not germinate in the trials. Therefore, ingestion of unripe seeds does not lead to effective seed dispersal. However, germination rates of defecated R. caudata (9%) were greater than control seeds (6% and 0%), demonstrating potential endozoochorous seed dispersal. Thus, colobine monkeys do indeed disperse mainly small-seeded from multi-seeded fruits through potential endozoochory and this process enhances the recruitment of seedlings.