Plant Reproduction and Seed Dispersal

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Questions and Answers

What is myrmecochory?

Seed dispersal by animals' fur

Seed dispersal by ants (correct)

Seed dispersal by water

Seed dispersal by wind

Which of the following is a characteristic of barochory?

Seeds are carried by the wind

Seeds hitchhike on animal fur

Seeds fall close to the parent plant (correct)

Dispersal by fire

What is exozoochory?

Seed dispersal through water currents

External seed dispersal by animals (correct)

Internal seed dispersal in animals

Seed dispersal by cold temperatures

Which seed dispersal method relies on the presence of hooks and barbs?

Exozoochory Signup and view all the answers

How does anemochory primarily disperse seeds?

By wind Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about hydrochory as a seed dispersal method?

It involves floating seeds dispersed by water Signup and view all the answers

The présence of shiny, ripe fruits serves what primary purpose in endozoochory?

To attract birds and animals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a special case of seed dispersal by fire?

Ballistochory Signup and view all the answers

What is the average travel distance for wind-dispersed seeds compared to animal-dispersed seeds?

Generally much longer Signup and view all the answers

What factor influences the splash seed dispersal distance?

Plant size Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical dispersal distance for ballistochorous seeds?

Mostly < 5m Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum dispersal distance for myrmecochorous seeds?

Mostly < 10m Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about exo/endozoochorous dispersal?

Most seeds are deposited close-by Signup and view all the answers

Which type of seed dispersal is primarily influenced by water?

Hydrochory Signup and view all the answers

How does the seed size relate to dispersal distances in splash-seed dispersed plants?

Mostly < 1m due to small stature Signup and view all the answers

What primary factor differentiates the dispersal distances of wind-dispersed seeds from those of animal-dispersed seeds?

Average travel distance Signup and view all the answers

Which seed dispersal syndrome is characterized by later dispersal through scatter hoarding?

Barochory Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of plants that do not have seed dispersal adaptations?

They mass-produce small, inexpensive seeds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major group of animals responsible for dispersing herb seeds in Ontario's forests?

Ants Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about r-selected weeds is true?

They mass-produce often tiny seeds. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'endozoochory' refer to?

Seed dispersal through the digestive tract of animals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of seeds being dispersed?

To find new locations with less competition. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of dispersal does not involve external agents?

Barochory Signup and view all the answers

In the context of seed dispersal, what does 'long distance dispersal' typically refer to?

Seeds that travel several kilometers from the parent plant. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Reproduction

Plants reproduce through pollination and seed dispersal.
Pollination involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma of the same flower or another flower.
Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant.

Seed dispersal

Hydrochory is seed dispersal by water.
Coco de mer has the world's largest seed.
Hydrochory can be facilitated by splash dispersal, where raindrops propel seeds away from the parent plant.
Myrmecochory is seed dispersal by ants.
Forest spring flowers in Ontario rely heavily on myrmecochory.
Exozoochory is seed dispersal by animals that carry seeds on their external surfaces.
Endozoochory is seed dispersal by animals that ingest seeds and excrete them later.
Barochory is seed dispersal by gravity.

Seed Dispersal Syndromes

Seed dispersal syndromes are a collection of traits that have evolved to promote a particular mode of seed dispersal.
Hydrochory is a seed dispersal syndrome adapted for aquatic environments.
Myrmecochory is a seed dispersal syndrome adapted for dispersal by ants.
Exozoochory is a seed dispersal syndrome adapted for dispersal by animals that carry seeds on their external surfaces.
Endozoochory is a seed dispersal syndrome adapted for dispersal by animals that ingest seeds and excrete them later.
Barochory is a seed dispersal syndrome adapted for dispersal by gravity.

Seed Dispersal Distances

Seed dispersal distances vary based on the dispersal mechanism.
Hydrochory typically results in dispersal distances of less than 1 meter.
Ballistochory typically results in dispersal distances of less than 5 meters.
Myrmecochory typically results in dispersal distances of less than 10 meters.
Exozoochory and Endozoochory typically result in relatively short dispersal distances.
Anemochory, or dispersal by wind, generally leads to longer dispersal distances than animal-mediated dispersal.

Seed Mass

Seed mass is a significant factor in seed dispersal.
Seeds dispersed by myrmecochory tend to be relatively small.
Endozoochory and exozoochory are associated with larger seed sizes.
Barochory is typically associated with large, heavy seeds, often dispersed by gravity.

Dispersal in Time

Dispersal in time is a factor in seed dispersal.
Some plants have evolved mechanisms to delay seed dispersal, such as seed dormancy.
Dormancy allows seeds to survive unfavorable conditions and germinate at a more opportune time.

Dispersal Adaptations

Seed dispersal adaptations have evolved to increase the chances of successful seed dispersal.
Seed dispersal is crucial for plant survival by providing a way to avoid competition with the parent plant and colonize new habitats.
Dispersal adaptations vary depending on the dispersal mechanism and the specific environment.

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Description

Explore the fascinating processes of plant reproduction, focusing on pollination and various methods of seed dispersal. This quiz includes information on hydrochory, myrmecochory, and other unique dispersal strategies that plants use to spread their seeds. Test your knowledge on these essential ecological concepts!