Dispersal Of Seeds
It is not always necessary that the seeds will get rooted near their parent plant. Seeds can be dispersed to nearby or far places through different agents. The process by which the seeds are moved away from the parent plant is called seed dispersal.
Why seed dispersal is Important ?
Dispersal of seeds is important in order to avoid the overcrowding and competition between existing plants for various essential components. This will ensure proper growth and survival of the parent plant as well as the new plant.
There are different types of ways by which seeds are dispersed.
1) Wind Dispersal:
Seeds which are of light weight and have wing-like structures are scattered by wind.
Example: Dandelion seeds, Maple seeds, cotton seeds
2) Water Dispersal:
seeds of the plant that grow in or near water bodies are dispersed through the water.
Example: Water lily, Coconut, Lotus.
3) Animal Dispersal:
How do animals help in seed dispersal
- Fruits like papaya, mango, apple are eaten by us and many other animals. Their seeds are just thrown away. This way seed will reach another area and grow into a new plant.
- Similarly seeds with sticky hairs, bristles, hook, or barbs are transported by sticking to the fur of animals or on the clothing of human beings to a farther place.
4) Explosion Of Fruits:
Some fruit pods containing seeds burst on ripening and scatter their seeds. Example: pea plant, mustard, Balsam
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