5th International Symposium-Workshop on Frugivores and Seed Dispersal (1985-2010)
FSD 2010 - News
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Earthworms are the Seed Dispersers of the Month
Earthworms are well known for their ecological role in soil biology, and carbon cycle. But they have been overlooked as Seed Dispersers. Several recent studies pointed out that secondary seed dispersal by earthworms may be critical to seed survival and seedling establishment, seed bank and the diversity of plant communities. Additionnally, it was shown that they also contribute to spreading of invasive weed species such as Ambrosia trifida L. (giant ragweed) in the USA. (Photo © Kent Harrison : Lumbricus terrestris grips the seed of A. trifida and drags it toward its burrow.) More and references.