Climate change and plant regeneration from seeds in tropical dry forests

Climate change models predict an increase in temperature and a decrease in amount and duration of precipitation in Tropical Dry Forests (TDF), which could strongly impact seed germination strategies, seedling establishment, growth rate, and phenology of the species. These climatic changes will vary between regions of a continent and between continents. TDF plant species exhibit a wide range of functional responses to high temperature and water stress. However, information about how most plant species will respond to climate change is unclear, or it is not known, particularly for nonarboreal growth forms. In this chapter, we report the results of a literature review about the possible effects of climate change on plant species regeneration from seeds in TDF. Thus, in the context of predicted effects of climatic change, we evaluate key events in the life cycle of plants, including flowering/pollination, seed production, seed dispersal, seed dormancy-break and germination, seed banks, and establishment of seedlings. We briefly discuss possible changes in community composition and shifts in distribution patterns of TDF species. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of future research needs.