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Distribution of eight species of large-seeded pines and their primary animal seed-dispersers in China: match or mismatch?
  • manyu zhang,
  • Changxiang Su,
  • Changhu Lu
manyu zhang
Nanjing Forestry University

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Changxiang Su
Nanjing Forestry University
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Changhu Lu
Nanjing Forestry University
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Abstract

Aim: The current geographic distribution of plants and their dispersers are a result of coevolution, but the reciprocity effects on the distribution of large seed pine and primary seed dispersers required understanding of (a) the distribution range and distribution characteristics of each species, and (b) the overlapping of distribution areas of animals and plants to explore whether they match. Location: China Methods: To find the target species, we identified eight large-seeded pine species in China in terms of seed size and wing traits as well as four primary seed disperser species in terms of body size, diet and food storage behavior. To map the geographical distribution, we obtained species distribution information from books, literature and GBIF. We then analyzed the distribution relationship by overlapping the distribution areas and patterns comprehensively. Results: We identified eight species of large-seeded pines (Pinus fenzeliana, P. gerardiana, P. dabeshanensis, P. koraiensis, P. pumila, P. bungeana, P. armandii, and P. sibirica) and four species of primary seed dispersers (Nucifraga caryocatactes, Sciurus vulgaris, Tamias sibiricus, and Sciurotamias davidianus). Pines interlaced from the Northeast to the Southwest of China along the mountains with an average altitude of 1000-2000 m, while each species of seed disperser had a wide distribution range that overlapped completely or partially with that of four or more species of the large-seeded pines. For pines that lack sufficient research on seed dispersal, our research provides them with potential seed dispersers Main conclusions: The distribution pattern of large-seeded pines and the primary seed dispersers was matched, we believed that reciprocal relationship promotes this distribution pattern. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating the ecological consequences of geographical distribution into reciprocal interactions between species and biodiversity conservation.