Estimating seed dispersal distance: a comparison of methods using animal movement and plant genetic data on two primate-dispersed Neotropical plant species

Abstract

Amazon. We compare SDD estimates obtained from direct observations, genetic identification 35 of mother plants from seed coats, parentage analysis of seedlings, and modelling approaches, 36including the combination of movement data and gut passage times and individual-based 37 modelling. 38 3. We detect differences between SDD estimates that can be linked to the processes relevant at 39 different phases of the seed dispersal loop covered by the respective approaches. Despite these 40 differences, SDD estimates for P. panurensis are consistently lower than for L. cymosa which 41 is likely related to differences in fruit characteristics and fruit abundance, factors that 42 influence gut passage time, foraging behaviour and movement p a t t e r n s of the tamarins. 43 4. Our comparisons allow setting SDD estimates from studies using different methodological 44 approaches into the seed dispersal loop context, thus improving comparability of 45 methodologically different studies and method applicability. 46

Forest cover at landscape scales increases male and female gametic diversity of palm seedlings

“…First, it is unclear if forest loss asymmetrically influences the male and female contributions to genetic diversity at the level of individual seedlings. To address this question, researchers can genotype diploid seedling leaf tissue (maternal + paternal gametes) and pericarp seed tissue (only maternal gametes) of the same seedling (Gelmi‐Candusso et al, 2019; Godoy & Jordano, 2001; Jordano et al, 2007). Using both genotypes, one can match the maternally inherited female alleles and infer the paternally inherited male alleles (Smouse et al, 2012; Sork & Smouse, 2006).…”