Seed dispersal

Seed Dispersal

Seed dispersal (/si:d dɪˈspɜːrsəl/) is a biological process that involves the movement or transport of seeds away from the parent plant. This process is a fundamental phase in the reproductive cycle of plants, and it has significant implications for the survival and distribution of plant species.

Etymology

The term "seed dispersal" is derived from the English words "seed", which refers to the mature ovule of a flowering plant, and "dispersal", which means to distribute or spread over a wide area.

Types of Seed Dispersal

There are several methods of seed dispersal, which can be broadly categorized into five main types:

1. Wind Dispersal: Some plants, like dandelions and maples, have lightweight seeds that can be carried by the wind. These seeds often have special adaptations such as wings or hairs that enable them to travel long distances.
2. Animal Dispersal: Many plants rely on animals to disperse their seeds. This can occur through a process known as endozoochory, where animals eat the fruit and excrete the seeds, or through epizoochory, where seeds attach to the fur or feathers of animals and are carried away.
3. Water Dispersal: Seeds of some plants can float and are dispersed by water. These plants usually grow near water bodies and their seeds are adapted to survive in water.
4. Gravity Dispersal: Some plants simply drop their seeds to the ground, relying on gravity for dispersal. This is the simplest form of seed dispersal, but it often results in a high density of seedlings around the parent plant.
5. Explosive Dispersal: Certain plants have evolved mechanisms to eject their seeds into the environment. This is often achieved through a build-up of tension in the fruit, which eventually bursts and scatters the seeds.

Related Terms

• Germination: The process by which a plant grows from a seed.
• Pollination: The transfer of pollen from a male part of a plant to a female part of a plant, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds.
• Fruit: The mature ovary of a flowering plant, typically containing seeds.

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