Question

How can climate affect mast seeding?

Answer 1

In cool climates there is a longer period of time between seed production and plant growth; therefore the seeds are exposed for consumption for a longer period of time and mast seeding becomes a better survival strategy.

Explanation:

In warm climates there is typically a short period between when seeds are produced and when they begin to develop as plants. Furthermore, in warm climates there tends not to be seasonal shortages of food supplies (obviously this is only a generalization and not universally true).

In cooler climates, seeds typically need to survive dormant until the next spring. Available food sources tend to become more scarce during winter periods. By masting plants
a) reduce the population that survives between masting years (and thus the population available to attack the seeds) and
b) increase the seed supply (increasing the number of seeds which survive consumption).