Figure 1
From: Downhill seed dispersal by temperate mammals: a potential threat to plant escape from global warming
Hypothetical relationship between vertical seed dispersal and fruiting season. (a) Vertical seed dispersal toward the mountain tops by mammals that are following the spring-to-summer plant phenology8. The spring-to-summer plant phenology proceeds from the foot to the mountaintops. Midway through the season, fruits are no longer available at low altitudes, ripe fruits are available at middle altitudes, and fruits are not yet ripe at high altitudes. (b) Hypothetical vertical seed dispersal toward the foot of the mountains by mammals that are following the autumn-to-winter plant phenology. The autumn-to-winter plant phenology proceeds from the top to the foot of mountains. Midway through the season, fruits are no longer available at high altitudes, ripe fruits are available at middle altitudes, and fruits are not yet ripe at low altitudes.
