Plants/ Contents

Fruit and seed dispersal

E. Soepadmo

The tropical rainforests of Malaysia are home to a large number of plant species, each possessing a distinct mode of reproduction and propagation. Alongside this high species diversity, varied means of fruit and seed dispersal have evolved. Animals, including humans, and non-living agents, such as wind and water currents, are involved in the dispersal of fruits and seeds.

  • Information in the full article includes
  • The role of dispersal
  • Dispersal by winds
  • Dispersal by water currents
  • Dispersal by bats and birds
  • Dispersal by primates and squirrels
  • Dispersal by herbivores
Bat

This bat is feeding on a ripe, bright orange fig of the ara (Ficus sp.) tree.