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Seed dispersal, gap colonization, and the case of Cecropia insignis

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Frugivores and seed dispersal

Part of the book series: Tasks for vegetation science ((TAVS,volume 15))

Abstract

Studies of gap creation patterns and of seed deposition and seedling emergence of Cecropia insignis on Barro Colorado Island, Panama, as well as interpretations of the literature, illustrate the following points. Many plant species depend on growth in gaps to reach maturity. Gap formation, especially of large gaps required by pioneers, is infrequent and unpredictable. Wide, frequent, and abundant dispersal can facilitate gap colonization for some species; most species have a quasi-dormant stage (seed, seedling, sapling) that persists until activated by gap formation. Directed seed dispersal to gaps by animals has not been demonstrated, but some wind dispersed species fall disproportionately in gaps. Patchy seed deposition, combined with patchy gap formation, may produce clumped populations. Disturbance-cued germination of some pioneers contributes to their relatively high densities in large gaps. On Barro Colorado dispersal and seedling emergence of some gapdependent species occurs at the most favorable time, shortly before the annual peak in treefalls, to colonize new gaps. But to the extent colonization comes from seed, seedling, or sapling banks, an annual treefall peak would have less selective effect on annual dispersal and emergence schedules. Little is known about the spatial and temporal variation in these banks, or how that variation affects the species composition of regrowth in gaps.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Manomet Bird Observatory, Box 936, Manomet, Massachusetts, 02345, USA

    Nicholas V. L. Brokaw

  2. Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama

    Nicholas V. L. Brokaw

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  1. Nicholas V. L. Brokaw
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Alejandro Estrada Theodore H. Fleming

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© 1986 Dr W. Junk Publishers, Dordrecht

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Brokaw, N.V.L. (1986). Seed dispersal, gap colonization, and the case of Cecropia insignis. In: Estrada, A., Fleming, T.H. (eds) Frugivores and seed dispersal. Tasks for vegetation science, vol 15. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4812-9_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4812-9_28

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8633-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4812-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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