Abstract

SANCHEZ, Jaime et al. Arid and semi-arid environments: their relationship with the dispersion and germination of species. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2023, vol.14, n.75, pp.35-67.  Epub Mar 17, 2023. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v14i75.1288.

Semi-arid environments are dominated by extreme environmental conditions that directly influence seed dispersal and germination, as well as the establishment, development and maintenance of plant cover. This cycle depends directly on the availability of the water resource. However, in semi-arid areas water is limited. Therefore, the species that grow there develop adaptations for their dispersal, such as structures and mobility strategies to ensure their survival. The stages of dispersal until the seeds establishment follow different strategies or mechanisms to pass from one phase to another. This strategy in addition to humidity, water availability and substrates ensure dispersion. The interaction of seed banks and seed structures are a determining factor for species to adapt to arid and semi-arid zones. Additionally, the seminal microstructures play a particular role in each species by providing advantages in the face of inclement weather that they must overcome, as is the case with the prominent thread and the thin integuments of seeds, as well as the singular forms that facilitate not only water absorption but also dispersal towards safe places that accomplish the beginning of the establishment process.

Keywords : Adaptations; establishment; seminal structures; morphometry; semi-desert; seeds.

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