Directed seed dispersal and metapopulation response to habitat loss and disturbance: application to Eichhornia paniculata

1 Seed dispersal is often directed towards locations with particular characteristics, particularly where seeds are dispersed by animals. The potential importance of directed seed dispersal for the response of plant metapopulations to habitat loss and changes in disturbance rate is assessed, and illustrated with a case study of a metapopulation of an aquatic plant. 2 The Levins model is extended to include preferential dispersal towards suitable …