Distribution of eight species of large-seeded pines and their primary
animal seed-dispersers in China: match or mismatch?
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.