What are the methods and characteristics of seed dispersal?
Do you know about these? This article introduces the related information about the green plants and flowers, including the methods and characteristics of seed dispersal and the four ways of seed dispersal. Let's learn about it together below.
Every form of life reproduces in its own way, cattle and horses have legs, birds have wings, and as plants that cannot move, nature has endowed them with special ways to disperse seeds. So, what are the methods for plants to disperse seeds? Let's take a look at these seed dispersal methods of plants!
Animal Dispersal
Plants that rely on animals for seed dispersal include Xanthium, Tribulus, Bidens, Vitis, Pine, Cherry, Pine nuts, and Chestnuts. For example, the seeds of Bidens and Xanthium have spines and barbs on their surface, which easily stick to the fur of animals upon contact. Fruits of plants like cherries and wild grapes, most of which are fleshy, are eaten by birds, and the seeds are randomly excreted in various places after passing through their digestive systems. Chestnuts and pine nuts are carried home by squirrels to store, some of which are eaten, and the rest will germinate the following year.
Wind Dispersal
Plants that rely on wind for seed dispersal include Dandelion, Willow, Poplar, and Maple. These plant seeds are usually light and can float in the air, easily carried to distant places by a gentle breeze. Some plants even develop special structures that aid in wind-assisted flight, such as the fine绒毛 on cotton and willow seeds, the umbrella-like pappus on dandelion fruits, and the winged structures on pine, maple, and elm seeds.
Water Dispersal
Plants growing in or near water often use water to disperse their seeds, such as Coconut trees and Water Lilies. When the fruit of a coconut tree matures, its hard shell acts like a small boat, drifting with the sea currents to distant places, and when it washes ashore, a new coconut tree grows. The fruits of water lilies fall into the water and decompose slowly, and the seeds with spongy outer coats float on the surface, eventually sinking to the bottom to take root and grow.
Explosive Dispersal
Explosive dispersal means that seeds are shot out like bullets. Common plants include Oilseed Rape, Mustard, Peas, Soybeans, Mung Beans, Oxalis, and Impatiens. After these plants' seeds mature, their dry and hard fruit skins often burst with a "pop" under the scorching sun, shooting the seeds far away like bullets fired from a gun. Among the most interesting is a plant called "Exploding Cucumber," which, when mature, will detach and instantly shoot out the seeds from its tip upon slight touch.
The comprehensive explanation shared above about the methods and characteristics of seed dispersal, and the four ways of seed dispersal, hopes to be of help to you.