| dc.description.abstract | Endozoochorous seed dispersal by large herbivores provides a possible aid for ecological
restoration of plant communities. This review thesis determines and analyses seed dispersal and
seed germination via sheep, cattle, horse, rabbit, deer and herbivore birds dung in different
ecosystems. Large amounts of viable seeds of different plant species have been found in
herbivore dung in previous studies; however which species produce seeds that can survive and
germinate after ingestion by herbivores is still not well understood.
According to my review study out of 31 plant families Poaceae and Cyperaceae are the most
common plant families which are dispersed by all six herbivores dung in different ecosystems.
Cattle are among the most seed disperser as compared to other herbivores, while herbivores birds
disperse the seeds at long distances then other herbivores due to migration over longer distances.
Seed germination success rate depends on initial mastication and rumination by the herbivores
rather than mean retention time.
Those plants which have smaller seeds are more likely to disperse by herbivores dung than the
plants which have large seeds. And the seed passage through the animal gut may affect the
fraction of seed germination it may costly if inhibit the process of seed germination by reducing
the mechanical protection of seed coat and this cost can be offset if animal deposit the seeds in
very favorable microhabitats. This study also indicates that there are potentially high costs to
endozoochory that have to be balanced against the benefits of long-distance dispersal by large
herbivores.
Key words: Endozoochorous, Seed dispersal, Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Herbivores, Mastication,
Rumination, Germination, Ingestion, Ecosystem. | nb_NO |
