动物取食和扩散森林植物种实研究进展

动物取食扩散森林植物种实作为森林生态系统中植物和动物联系的一个重要方面,不仅是联系母株与其子代幼苗的重要桥梁,也是植物生活史中的一个重要阶段。文中综述了近年来关于动物取食森林植物种实及其与这些植物种子散布、萌发、幼苗生长和种群扩展等方面关系的研究成果。动物在取食和破坏森林植物种实的同时也将这些植物的种子扩散到一个新的生境斑块,其消化道机械的或化学的作用提高了这些森林植物的种子萌发率和萌发进程,促进了其早期定居和种群扩大。动物对森林植物的这种作用具有长期性,形成特定动植物间或多物种间的协同进化。近年来,森林生态系统受到了严重的干扰和破坏,可能会因为干扰了森林植物种实的动物散布者而影响森林植物种群的扩展。

Research Advance in Animal Predation and Dispersal of Fruits and Seeds

The dispersal of fruits and seeds of forest plants through animal predation is an important aspect of plant-animal relationship,for it is not only the important interlink between stock trees and their progeny seedlings,but an important stage in plant life history.Therefore,it is necessary to probe the process of animal predation and dispersal of fruits and seeds of forest plants for understanding the population dynamics and development of fructiferous plant species.This review discussed in detail the recent research achievements in frugivory predation of fruits and seeds of forest plants and its relationship with seed dispersal,seed germination,seedling growth and plant population colonization.At the same time that animals predate and destroy fruits and seeds of forest plants,they take the seeds to new habitat patches,and the mechanical/ chemical treatment of the animal's digestive tract is contributive to seed germination and seedling establishment, and accordingly,benefits the colonization and extension of plant populations.As a result of this long-term interaction,coevolution between animals and plants is formed.Recent forest fragmentation caused after severe disturbance and destroyment may affect plant population extension by influencing the behavior of animal seed-dispersers.