Seed Dispersal

Getting from one place to another can be hard. Especially if you don't have legs. So how do seeds get around?

Seeds are dispersed far away from each other. This is so they have space to grow and don’t compete for nutrients.

Nearly all seeds are found in fruits. This increases the number of ways the seed can be dispersed.

Seeds can be dispersed by 4 methods

Wind dispersal

Strong winds can blow some fruits and seeds far away.

Some fruits and seeds have a small mass and extensions which act as parachutes or wings to catch more wind.

Animal dispersal

Animals disperse fruit and seeds in 2 ways.

Internally - As an animal eats a lot of fruit and berries the seeds hard coating prevents it from being digested. It eventually passes through the animal and germinates in their droppings.

Externally - Some fruits stick to animals using tiny hooks. As an animal brushes past a plant it gets caught to their fur. The seed drops off and begins to germinate.

Water Dispersal

Many plants that live near water will produce seeds or fruits which can float on the water.

The seeds are moved away from the tree and germinate when washed on shore.

Explosive Dispersal

Some fruits burst open when they ripen. They throw the seeds in all directions.

Questions

1. Why do seeds need to get as far away from each other as possible?

2. Copy and complete the  sentence below

Seeds are ________ away from the parent plant and other seeds to reduce _________ . This increases their chances of having enough space and ________ to grow. Seeds can be dispersed by the _______, water, _________ and explosions.

3. How are seeds dispersed using animals

4. Research 5 different fruits and find their dispersion styles

5. Explain in detail how different seed types are adapted to their method of seed dispersal.

6. Using your own knowledge design a fruit or seed which uses the wind to travel

7. Using your own knowledge design a fruit or seed which uses the water to travel