Seed Dispersal Flashcards
Why is it better if seeds are dispersed further?
Parent plants will take all the minerals and water and shade them causing less photosynthesis, so the seedling will be outcompeted.
Describe how wind is a dispersal method for seeds.
- sails on seeds
- parachutes of stiff hairs
- pores which seeds are shaken through
Describe how transport is a dispersal method for seeds.
Birds eat seeds that transport though digestive systems and are dispersed in faeces. In a process called scarification the testa is weakened by physical attack from acids and enzymes, and some cannot germinate unless this occurs.
Describe how rolling is a dispersal method for seeds.
When the fruit of a horse chestnut opens the conker (seed) falls and rolls.
Describe how bursting is a dispersal method for seeds.
When legume pods dry they split and the seeds scatter. In many species the pod rotated so seeds scatter in different directions.
Describe how water is a dispersal method for seeds.
Eg coconut palms grow near water and the coconut is the seed. They fall into water and the air spaces allow buoyancy so they float away.
Describe how carrying is a dispersal method for seeds.
Hooked seeds attach to animals fur and coats and are carried away.
