Yadav, Harsh and Sengupta, Asmita and McConkey, Kim R. and H. S., Sushma and Phartyal, Shyam S. and Sasaki, Takehiro (2026) Decluttering Seed Dispersal Modes: Bringing Clarity to Seed Dispersal Ecology. Ecology and Evolution, 16: e73203.

[thumbnail of EE_Asmita_Vol-16_2026.pdf] Text
EE_Asmita_Vol-16_2026.pdf - Published Version

Download (1MB)

Abstract

Seed dispersal research has expanded significantly over time, leading to a proliferation of terms relating to dispersal modes that has resulted in terminological confusion. This viewpoint identifies the primary concerns in this regard: synonymy (multiple terms used for the same mode) and polysemy (the same term used for distinctly different modes). Such inconsistencies hinder conceptual clarity, impede literature syntheses, and obstruct the practical application of seed dispersal ecology. To address these challenges, we propose two complementary pathways. First, we suggest organizing a world cafe to foster consensus-building among researchers engaging with seed dispersal ecology. Second, we introduce the Diaspore-Vector-Review (DVR) framework as a decision-support tool to prioritize nomenclature for non-overlapping dispersal mechanisms rather than agent-centric definitions of dispersal modes. By refining the branching of subclasses from classical modes into a coherent, hierarchical classification system, we can ensure greater scientific rigor and real-world impact of seed dispersal research.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: Copyright of this article belongs to the authors, Ecology and Evolution published by British Ecological Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Uncontrolled Keywords: classification, polysemy, seed dispersal modes, synonymy, terminological redundancy, terminological uncertainty.
Subjects: A ATREE Publications > G Journal Papers
Divisions: SM Sehgal Foundation Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation > Biodiversity Monitoring and Conservation Planning
Depositing User: Ms Library Staff
Date Deposited: 28 May 2026 05:27
Last Modified: 28 May 2026 05:27
URI: http://archives.atree.org/id/eprint/1501

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item