In Defense of Plants Podcast Ep. 537 - From Seeds to Climate
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Aug 3, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, ecologist Evan Fricke from MIT delves into the crucial connections between large seed-dispersing animals and climate change. He highlights how biodiversity loss threatens these animals and, consequently, forest ecosystems reliant on them. The conversation navigates the complexities of ecological restoration, stressing the importance of protecting existing habitats over simple tree planting. Fricke emphasizes the need for collaboration in environmental research to address pressing climate issues and ensure the survival of plant populations.
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Evan's Journey Into Seed Dispersal
- Evan Fricke was fascinated by tropical fruits since childhood trips to Thailand and Costa Rica.
- His undergrad research on birds and their ecosystem roles led him to study seed dispersal on Guam.
Long-Term Impact of Seed Dispersal
- Seed dispersal effects unfold over decades or centuries, making their study challenging.
- Immediate seed dispersal actions contrast with long-term ecosystem impacts, complicating research.
Scaling Seed Dispersal Research
- Local seed dispersal data and studies are scaled up to understand global ecosystem and climate effects.
- Bridging local interactions to global patterns reveals seed dispersers' vital role for carbon and biodiversity.