Data from: Do large-seeded herbs have a small range size? The seed mass-distribution range trade-off hypothesis

We aimed to introduce and test the “seed mass–distribution range
trade-off” hypothesis, that is, that range size is negatively related to
seed mass due to the generally better dispersal ability of smaller seeds.
Studying the effects of environmental factors on the seed mass and range
size of species, we also aimed to identify habitats where species may be
at risk and need extra conservation effort to avoid local extinctions. We
collected data for seed mass, global range size, and indicators for
environmental factors of the habitat for 1,600 species of the Pannonian
Ecoregion (Central Europe) from the literature. We tested the relationship
between species’ seed mass, range size, and indicator values for soil
moisture, light intensity, and nutrient supply. We found that seed mass is
negatively correlated with range size; thus, a seed mass–distribution
range trade-off was validated based on the studied large species pool. We
found increasing seed mass with decreasing light intensity and increasing
nutrient availability, but decreasing seed mass with increasing soil
moisture. Range size increased with increasing soil moisture and nutrient
supply, but decreased with increasing light intensity. Our results
supported the hypothesis that there is a trade-off between seed mass and
distribution range. We found that species of habitats characterized by low
soil moisture and nutrient values but high light intensity values have
small range size. This emphasizes that species of dry, infertile habitats,
such as dry grasslands, could be more vulnerable to habitat fragmentation
or degradation than species of wet and fertile habitats. The remarkably
high number of species and the use of global distribution range in our
study support our understanding of global biogeographic processes and
patterns that are essential in defining conservation priorities.