Migration, Dispersal of Pollen and Seeds: Interaction Between Demographic and Genetic Processes

Global warming drives a spatial shift in tree species’ bioclimatic ranges, challenging populations to track changing conditions. This review synthesizes recent findings on plant dispersal, focusing on three aspects: (i) seed dispersal and its role in forming colonization fronts at the leading migration edge; (ii) long-distance pollen dispersal and its interplay with local adaptation along environmental gradients; and (iii) within-population pollen movement generating variability in mating system parameters across individuals and populations. The paper highlights the critical interactions among spatial distribution, strict dispersal processes, demographic dynamics, and genetic evolution. Integrative modeling tools, such as the CAPSIS platform, have been instrumental in elucidating these complex processes.