Data from: Consequences of frugivore-mediated seed dispersal for the spatial and genetic structures of a neotropical palm

The idiosyncratic behaviors of seed dispersers are important contributors to plant spatial associations and genetic structures. In this study, we used a combination of field, molecular, and spatial studies to examine the connections between seed dispersal and the spatial and genetic structures of a dominant neotropical palm Attalea phalerata. Field observation and genetic parentage analysis both indicated that the majority of A. phalerata seeds were dispersed locally over short-distances (10 m) from maternal palms. Seedlings were also spatially aggregated with juveniles. These patterns are likely associated with the dispersal of seeds by rodents and the survival of recruits at specific microsites or neighborhoods over successive fruiting periods. Our cross cohort analyses found palms in older cohorts and cohort-pairs were associated with a lower proportion of offspring and sibling neighbors and exhibited weaker spatial and genetic structures. Such patterns are consistent with increased distance- and density-dependent mortality over time among palms dispersed near maternal palms or siblings. The integrative approaches used for this study allowed us to infer the importance of seed dispersal activities in maintaining the aggregated distribution and significant genetic structures among A. phalerata palms. We further conclude that distance- and density-dependent mortality is a key post-dispersal process regulating this palm population.Choo_et_al_2011_Attale