The movement of seeds in space-time. The hypothetical two-dimensional space shows how habitat suitability varies across space and time. Seeds can avoid unsuitable conditions in the present by (i) dispersing to a more suitable location or (ii) remaining dormant until conditions change. However, a mix of both processes (iii) can also give individuals a great chance of reaching a suitable habitat. Gray-shaded areas represent hypothetical distributions showing the probability of dispersing to distance x and of escaping dormancy at time t. In our example, the probability of observing outcome iii is greater than observing outcomes i or ii.
Check out this new #AJB essay by Sofia Backlund, Sean Stankowski & Rosina Soler!
#Seeds as space-time travelers: How does #evolution balance the joint benefits and trade-offs of dormancy & dispersal?
doi.org/10.1002/ajb2... #plantscience #botany #germination