Long-Term Effects of Climate Variability on Seed Rain Dynamics of Four Fagaceae Sympatric Species in Qinling Mountains, China

Seed rain, as the beginning of species dispersal, is a key process for forest structure and regeneration. In this study, the seed rain of four Fagaceae sympatric plant species (<i>Castanea</i><i>mollissima</i>, <i>Quercus aliena</i>, <i>Quercus variabilis,&l...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jing Wang, Xiang Hou, Bo Zhang, Ning Han, Tuo Feng, Xiaolei An, Xiaoning Chen, Jidong Zhao, Gang Chang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2022-03-01
Series:Biology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/11/4/533
Description
Summary:Seed rain, as the beginning of species dispersal, is a key process for forest structure and regeneration. In this study, the seed rain of four Fagaceae sympatric plant species (<i>Castanea</i><i>mollissima</i>, <i>Quercus aliena</i>, <i>Quercus variabilis,</i> and <i>Quercus serrata</i>) in the Qinling Mountains were monitored for ten consecutive years, and the responses of seed rain dynamics of the four species to major climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) were analyzed. We found there were significant differences in the seed rain dynamics between <i>C. mollissima</i> of <i>Castanea</i> and the other three species of <i>Quercus</i> in the initial period and end period and the duration of the whole seed rain process among the 10 years. This could indicate to some extent that there was no concentrated flowering and fruiting among different plants of different genera, and they could well avoid fierce competition for similar resources and coexist in the same region. This may also be a reproductive strategy for plants. Seed rain dynamics of different plant species had different sensitivities to climate factors (temperature and precipitation), which indicated that mainly because of their different responses to climate factors, they could well avoid fierce competition for similar climate resources. In addition, the differences in seed rain dropping dynamics could reduce consumption in large numbers by seed predators, thereby promoting their own dispersal and regeneration. All of the above contribute to their better coexistence in the same domain.
ISSN:2079-7737