1. Seed Dispersal Lab

2. Dispersal by Water
The coconut can float on water for long intervals due to an air-filled pericarp layer.

3. Dispersal by Water
Mangrove seeds germinate while still attached to the adult plant. Seedlings are released into water.

4. Dispersal by Water
When its seed pod breaks open, Pond Iris seeds fall into nearby water. Seeds can float for long distances and germinate either in the water or when they become lodged in mud.

5. Dispersal by Wind
The feathery pappus helps carry the dandelion seed in an updraft.
Seeds with wings have a slower descent when they fall from a tree.

6. Dispersal by Wind
The Red Campion ovary produces a “pepper pot” seed capsule with openings at the top. Wind shakes the capsule to scatter the seeds.

7. Dispersal by Animals: Fleshy Fruits
Persimmons
Mulberries
Animals eat the fruit and deposit the undigested seeds at another location.

8. Dispersal by Animals: Attachment
The cockleburr fruit has hooked barbs for attaching to an animal’s fur or a bird’s feathers.

9. Dispersal by Animals: Attachment
Mistletoe has a sticky fruit that attaches to the beak and faces of birds. Birds scrape their beaks on tree branches to spread the seeds.

10. Mechanical Dispersal
The seeds are released when a ripe capsule of an Impatiens plant is touched.

11. Mechanical Dispersal
A thick husk that splits open to release a hickory nut.

12. Today’s Lab Survey of Seed Dispersal Mechanisms
Observe and draw seeds
Propose dispersal mechanism
Design and test a wind-dispersed seed
Distance: Air stream test
Time airborne: Balcony test

13. Worksheet Complete pages161-165 from lab manual
Be sure your instructor checks your completed worksheet before you leave the lab