Lifestyle

Zoochory animals

615 species

Zoochory animals are those that can disperse plant seeds in several ways. Seeds can be transported on the outside of vertebrate animals (mostly mammals), a process known as epizoochory. Seed dispersal via ingestion by vertebrate animals (mostly birds and mammals), or endozoochory, is the dispersal mechanism for most tree species. Birds and mammals are the most important seed dispersers, but a wide variety of other animals, including turtles, fish, and insects, can transport viable seeds. Seed predators, which include many rodents (such as squirrels) and some birds (such as jays) may also disperse seeds by hoarding the seeds in hidden caches.
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Zoochory animals are those that can disperse plant seeds in several ways. Seeds can be transported on the outside of vertebrate animals (mostly mammals), a process known as epizoochory. Seed dispersal via ingestion by vertebrate animals (mostly birds and mammals), or endozoochory, is the dispersal mechanism for most tree species. Birds and mammals are the most important seed dispersers, but a wide variety of other animals, including turtles, fish, and insects, can transport viable seeds. Seed predators, which include many rodents (such as squirrels) and some birds (such as jays) may also disperse seeds by hoarding the seeds in hidden caches.
show less