Seed Dispersal

The parent plant needs to disperse the seeds it makes for two reasons.

1. To make sure the species spreads as far as possible.

2. To prevent competition with its own offspring.

Functions of Seeds

The seeds perform the following functions:

i. They help in germination of the new plant.

ii. The seeds contain food reservoirs in the form of cotyledons and endosperm.
iii. The seed coat is protective in nature which protects the embryo inside.

Dispersion of Seeds

Dispersion is defined as the scattering or transport of seeds from one place to

another by means of a dispersing agent. It can occur by four modes:

 Wind
 Water
 Animals
 Explosion

Dispersion by Wind

The seeds that are dispersed by wind are generally light and small such that they
can be easily carried away by the wind. Example: cotton seeds
Dispersion by Animals

These seeds have external structures such as spines or hooks such that they can
attach themselves to animals and get dispersed to other places. These seeds are
generally attractive and so are their fruits. Example: Guava seeds, dates.

Dispersion by Water

These seeds have a structure, generally, hollow such that they can easily float on
water. Once they reach a place where the conditions are suitable, they germinate.
Example: Mangroves.

Dispersion due to Explosion/Expulsion

Some plants fling or throw their seeds out once the fruit has ripened. This explosion
occurs as a result of evaporation of water from the pods. Once the pods dry out,
they expel the seeds which are then carried by wind or gravity to other places
where they germinate. Example: Viola