How birds contribute to the spread of plant seeds

How birds contribute to the spread of plant seeds

The role of birds in plant distribution

Birds play an important, often underestimated role in spreading plant seeds, which makes them the survival of many ecosystems. In this article we will go into more detail on the methods and mechanisms that use birds in spreading seeds and highlight their importance for the flora.

The spread of plant seeds through birds: an overview

The spread of plant seeds by birds, known as an ornithocherie, is a samendispersal mechanism that can be observed worldwide. Due to their high degree of mobility and their ability to fly long distances, birds are efficient seeds. They contribute to colonizing new habitats, increasing the diversity of the flora and strengthening agriculture.

plants produce fruits and seeds with the main goal of spreading and reproducing their way. Some of these fruits and seeds are attractive for birds, either because of their color, taste or nutrition. Birds consume the fruits and seeds and later distribute the indigestible seeds in another area. This process of recording, digestion and excretion of seeds is referred to as an endochory.

Methods of spreading seeds by birds

Depending on the type and behaviors of the birds, you can spread seeds in different ways. Here are some of the most common methods you use:

endochory

As already mentioned, the endochory is the most common method in which birds smuggling through their digestive tract and later depart. This distribution procedure has the advantage that the seeds can be transported far from the mother plant, which increases the opportunities for successful germination and growth.

epichorie

In the epicory, the seeds attach themselves to the plumage or the feet of the bird and fall off later when the bird moves or cleans. This method does not require digestion of the seeds, which means that they can be beneficial for plants that produce hard, indigestible seeds.

The importance of plant seed distribution by birds

The spread of seeds by birds is of great importance for maintaining the biological diversity. Birds contribute to the spread of a variety of plant species and in this way increase biodiversity in many ecosystems. They are often responsible for the spread of invasive species, but can also contribute to the resettlement of areas that have been damaged by natural disasters or human activities.

In addition, the spread of seeds by birds enables plants to penetrate new habitats in which they might otherwise not survive. This can lead to the development of new plant communities and help to weaken the effects of environmental changes and destruction.

Differences in nutritional behavior

It is important to mention that different bird species have different preferences in terms of your food source. While some species live exclusively from animal food, other omnivors and others are mainly feeding on plants. These differences in food behavior affect the potential of the bird species for spreading seeds.

frugivore (fruit -eating) birds are particularly valuable seeds. Since your main food consists of fruits, use seeds regularly and thus contribute to the spread.

Effects on agriculture

Birds also contribute to spreading seeds in agricultural systems. You can help spread cultures and colonize new agricultural areas. However, you can also contribute to the spread of weeds and invasive species, which can be problematic for farmers.

Effects of climate change and the loss of habitats

Climate change and the loss of habitats have great influence on both the birds and the plants. The change in habitats can lead to some bird species losing their habitat and thus their role as seeds. At the same time, climate change can cause some plants to adapt their fruit and seed production or that some seeds can no longer germinate in new climate zones.

FAZIT

Birds play an important role in the spread of plant seeds. They not only contribute to increasing biodiversity and colonizing new habitats, but also have a significant influence on agriculture and the survival of plants in times of climate change and the loss of habitats. Your work as a seedwinder is invaluable for our ecosystems and a further memory of the importance of protection and the preservation of our bird species.