Seed Dispersal Mechanisms Quiz

Seed Dispersal Mechanisms

• Primary Dispersal Mechanism in Woody Plants: Wind dispersal is the primary mechanism for seed dispersal in woody plants.
• Autochory: The term "autochory" describes dispersal mechanisms where plants themselves disperse their seeds, which can include ballistic mechanisms, but not wind dispersal.
• Myrmecochory: The dispersal of seeds by ants is called myrmecochory.
• Scatter-hoarding: Small mammals engage in scatter-hoarding, which is a dispersal mechanism where they bury seeds for later consumption.
• Role of Angiosperms in Ecosystems: Angiosperms play a crucial role in ecosystems as primary producers, providing food and habitat for numerous organisms.
• Seed Dispersers: While birds, bats, and mammals are common seed dispersers, insects are not mentioned as primary potential seed dispersers in the text.
• Seed Dispersal: Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant, which occurs through a variety of mechanisms.
• Seedling Location: Seedlings take root further away from their parent plant to reduce competition for resources and increase their chances of survival.
• Seed Fate: The ultimate fate of seeds is dependent on various factors, including environmental conditions, dispersal success, and the availability of resources.
• Benefits of Seed Dispersal: Seed dispersal offers various benefits, including reducing the risk of disease transmission and increasing the genetic diversity of the population.
• Seed Dispersal and Plant Species: The term "seed dispersal" refers to the process of seeds being carried to new sites for germination.
• Seed Dispersal and Reproductive Success: Seed dispersal plays a crucial role in plant reproductive success by increasing the likelihood that seeds will find suitable conditions for germination and establishment.

Plant Anatomy and Reproduction

• Vascular Tissues in Plants: The two main types of vascular tissues found in plants are xylem and phloem, which transport water and nutrients throughout the plant.
• Apical Meristems: Apical meristems, located at the tips of shoots and roots, are responsible for plant growth and development.
• Angiosperm Reproductive Structures: Angiosperm reproductive structures are characterized by flowers, which facilitate pollination and the production of seeds.
• Adaptation for Water Conservation: A crucial adaptation for water transport and conservation in plants is the presence of a cuticle, which prevents water loss from the plant surface.
• Differences Between Monocots and Eudicots: Monocots and eudicots differ primarily in their seed structure and the arrangement of their vascular tissues. Monocots have one cotyledon, while eudicots have two; monocots have scattered vascular bundles, while eudicots have vascular bundles arranged in a ring.

Seed Dispersal's Function

• Primary Function of Seed Dispersal: Seed dispersal mechanisms in plants primarily facilitate the spread and establishment of plant populations.