Seed Dispersal Methods

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of seed dispersal?

  • Gravity (correct)
  • Water
  • Animals
  • Air

Seeds can only be dispersed by animals.

False (B)

What must happen for seeds to grow into a new plant?

Seeds must leave the seed pod.

Seeds of aquatic plants are often __________ to help them float.

<p>hollow</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of seed dispersal with its description:

<p>Air = Small and light seeds are carried by wind Water = Hollow seeds float on water currents Animals = Seeds stick to fur or are carried via animal digestion Explosion = Seeds are scattered when fruits burst open</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do seeds dispersed by air generally have?

<p>They are small and light (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Coconuts are heavy and do not require water for dispersal.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is seed dispersal important for plants?

<p>To prevent competition for resources and allow for better growth conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason seeds need to be dispersed from the parent plant?

<p>To prevent competition for resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a natural agent of seed dispersal?

<p>Light (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do seeds that are dispersed by water typically possess?

<p>They are hollow and light. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do seeds dispersed by animals often reach new locations?

<p>They are eaten and excreted by animals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method of seed dispersal involves the seeds sticking to animals or humans?

<p>Attachment dispersal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to seeds when fruits such as peas burst open?

<p>They are scattered by explosion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do wing-like structures serve in some seeds?

<p>They aid in wind dispersal. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics do seeds like those of a coconut have for water dispersal?

<p>They have a fibrous covering trapping air. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Seed dispersal

The movement of seeds from the parent plant to a new location.

Seed dispersal methods

Different ways seeds are moved away from the parent plant, like using wind, water, or animals.

Wind dispersal

Seeds are carried by the wind due to their small size and light weight, or special structures like wings and hairs.

Water dispersal

Seeds are carried by water currents, often found in aquatic or near-water plants.

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Animal dispersal

Animals transport seeds, either by eating fruit and dropping seeds elsewhere or carrying them on their fur/feathers.

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Explosion dispersal

Fruits burst open and scatter seeds when ripe.

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Seed adaptations

Seed characteristics (size, weight, structure) that help determine how they are dispersed.

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Why seed dispersal is important

Preventing overcrowding of plants, allowing for better growth of the species.

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What happens when seeds fall near the parent plant?

They compete for resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight, making it harder for all of them to grow well.

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Why do plants need seed dispersal?

To spread out their seeds to find better growing conditions with more space, water, and nutrients.

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What are seed dispersal agents?

Natural forces like wind, water, or animals that help move seeds away from the parent plant.

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How are seeds adapted for wind dispersal?

They are small, light, often have wings or hairs to catch the wind and float easily.

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How do aquatic plants disperse seeds?

Their seeds are water-resistant, buoyant, or have air pockets to float and travel in water currents.

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How do animals help with seed dispersal?

By eating fruits and carrying seeds on their fur or feathers, accidentally dropping them as they move.

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What is 'explosion' dispersal?

When ripe fruits burst open and scatter seeds with force.

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What determines a seed's dispersal method?

Its size, weight, and structural features, like wings, hairs, or coatings.

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Study Notes

Seed Dispersal

  • Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds from the parent plant to a new location.
  • Crucial for plant reproduction as it prevents competition for resources (water, nutrients, air).

Methods of Seed Dispersal

  • Air:
    • Seeds are small and light.
    • Some have wings (e.g., pine, maple) or hairs (e.g., silk cotton, dandelion) to catch wind.
  • Water:
    • Seeds of aquatic or water-adjacent plants are often small, hollow, or buoyant (e.g., lotus).
    • Some have fibrous coverings and air pockets (e.g., coconut) facilitating water dispersal.
  • Animals:
    • Animals eat fruits containing seeds and carry then away.
    • Seeds may be carried outside of digestive systems (e.g., guava, berries).
    • Some seeds have hooks or spines that attach to animal fur/feathers or clothing (e.g., cocklebur).
  • Explosion:
    • Some fruits burst open when ripe to release seeds. (e.g., pea)

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