Seed Dispersal

Hello there readers! It's been a while since my last update. So I've been teaching my students "Reproduction in Flowering Plants" for a couple of weeks now and I decided to post this sub-topic on "Seed Dispersal". Ready to learn yet? I think you might find this video pretty interesting :D Watch it till the end on how different seeds are dispersed. It's AMAZING how these different seeds have different structures or designs to help them move. B) But before you watch the video, may I suggest you read this brief lesson on seed dispersal? :)

Wait...do you even know the term seed dispersal? It means spreading of seeds from one place to another. So shall I start my lesson now? :) Plant seeds can be dispersed in a number of different ways according to its features.

Some seeds such as dandelion seeds and sycamore seeds are light and have a wing- or parachute-like structures to help them float or spin in the air. This method is known as wind dispersal.

Another way is water dispersal such as a coconut fruit and nipah fruit which has a fibrous husk that traps air and allows it to float on water. Some plants that grow near water may also transport their seeds by the moving water. 

In some plants such as bauhinia and saga, the seeds are in pods and can self dispersed. When the pods become dry, they split open and the seeds are scattered. Few plants like rubber seeds and squirting cucumber, they are designed to explode and scatter the seeds further away from the parent plant. WHAT?! SEEDS CAN EXPLODE BY THEMSELVES?? Yeah...see it to believe it! Watch the video posted below later. Getting more excited already? There's more...

Many plants can also use the animals to move seeds around. These plants may have hooks or spikes on them which can cling to the animal's fur before this animal drops them off elsewhere. For examples, burdock seeds and fruits of a love grass. On the other hand, the plants might have tasty, juicy, fleshy fruits with seeds which can be carried away and eaten by the animals such as tomatoes, watermelon, mangoes, papayas and so on. So that's animal dispersal.

It is better for the seeds to be dispersed some distance away from the parent plant. This will prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients, water and light.

Alright then. Enjoy watching this video! Happy learning~ ;D