Will seed dispersal interactions help tropical plants overcome climate change?

Science / Life Sciences

Climate change caused by human activities has impacted biodiversity and ecosystem services. One of the possible responses of organisms to global warming is the colonization of colder areas (niche tracking). In this scenario, the dispersal of seeds by animals is crucial for plants to move, avoiding extinction. However, these changes can generate spatial and temporal decoupling between mutualistic animals and plants, which is particularly important in the tropics, where most plants depend on animals for dispersal. Using an integrative analytical approach and data collected in the southern portion of the Atlantic Forest, we will identify mutualistic species vulnerable to climate change and critical areas that will act as climate refuges. The intention is to fill the gaps in knowledge that currently make it difficult to predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems.

Amount invested

Grant Serrapilheira: R$ 335.000,00
Grant Fapergs: R$ 395.000,00

Open Calls

Chamada 6