Joint Influence of Seed Dormancy and Dispersal Syndrome on Dispersal Distance and Range Size Across Two Climate Regions

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Abstract
Aim: Long distance dispersal and the ability to delay germination under unfavourable conditions (dormancy) are critical for plant persistence and range expansion. However, how dispersal syndrome and dormancy interactively shape maximum dispersal distance and species range size across climate regions remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that a trade‐off between dormancy and dispersal distance operates differently in animal‐mediated versus abiotic dispersal systems, and that climate modulates their influence on range size. Location: Global. Time Period: Current. Major Taxa Studied: Seed plants. Methods: We compiled data on dormancy, dispersal syndrome, maximum seed dispersal distance and range size for 631 plant species across 118 families worldwide. We used linear mixed effects models to examine how dormancy and dispersal syndromes interactively shape seed dispersal distance and range size across tropical and temperate regions. Results: Non‐dormant species had larger maximum dispersal distances than dormant species, but only in abiotic dispersal systems, consistent with a trade‐off between dispersal and persistence traits (dormancy). In contrast, animal‐mediated dispersal led to larger dispersal distances than abiotic dispersal, regardless of whether species were dormant or not. The influence of dormancy and dispersal syndrome on range size was climate‐dependent. In tropical regions, animal‐mediated dispersal enhanced range size, while dormancy had little effect. In temperate regions, maximum seed dispersal distance was positively associated with range size, but neither dormancy nor animal‐mediated dispersal significantly affected range size. Main Conclusions: The interplay between seed dormancy and dispersal syndromes shapes seed dispersal distance and species range size in climate‐specific ways. Animal‐mediated dispersal promotes larger maximum dispersal distances and larger range sizes in tropical regions. In contrast, in abiotic dispersal systems, dormancy leads to relatively small dispersal distances, but dormancy itself does not affect range sizes in temperate or tropical regions. Understanding dispersal‐dormancy dynamics is essential for predicting how plants will respond to environmental changes.
Funding Information
  • Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China (2023M743747)

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