Seed Dispersal How does it happen?

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Seed Dispersal How does it happen?
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Wind Dispersal
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WIND DISPERSAL

• Pepperpots Parachutes Spinners

(RED CAMPION) The flower dries out into a hollow
container inside which seeds are rattled out.
(SYCAMORE) Its wings make it spin like a
helicopter and carry it far from the parent tree.
(DANDELION) Feathery hairs help the seed to float
on the wind. They can be carried very far this
way.
Wind dispersal is most common for smaller,
lighter seeds.
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WATER DISPERSAL

• Seeds of plants which grow near water may
• be carried far away by streams rivers.
• How do you think the seeds eventually begin
  growing in this case?

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EXPLOSIVE DISPERSAL

• Some plants distribute their seeds by violently
  ejecting
• them so that they fall well away from the parent
  plant.

Gorse is a good example of this. Sitting near
Gorse bushes on a hot day in summer you can hear
exploding pods sound almost like gun shots.
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ANIMAL DISPERSAL - 1
Animals, including humans, have a big role to
play in seed dispersal.

• Some species of plant use hooks on their
• fruits to attach themselves to the fur of
• mammals or feathers of birds or even the clothes
  of humans!

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ANIMAL DISPERSAL - 2

• The seeds of many plants are dispersed after
  passing through the digestive system of animals
  that have eaten them.
• What kind of animals would eat these fruits/seeds?

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ANIMAL DISPERSAL - 3

• Hard nuts are usually destroyed if chewed or
  eaten. 
• However, animals such as squirrels may store them
  to eat later and forget to go back to get them,
  giving them a chance to germinate. 
• On rare occasions, birds such as blue jays can
  transport acorns long distances.