By : Dorothea, elva, dominic,imran

If seeds are not dispersed, all the young plants would grow around the parent plant and overcrowding will take place. When this happens the plants will compete with each other for sunlight, air, water and nutrients and will be unable to grow healthily.

There are different methods of seed dispersal. These are some examples of seed dispersal : water, wind, splitting / explosion and animals

Seeds that are dispersed by water are usually encased in a fruit with fibrous husk. The husk helps to trap air and stay float on water. They also have waterproof covering to prevent water from entering and sinking the fruit. They usually live near or in the water. Examples of seed dispersed by water are pong pong, nipah,mangrove,coconut and lotus.

Seeds that are dispersed by wind are usually light weight and have either feathery structures or wing- like structures to help them ‘catch’ the wind and float in the air. Examples of seed dispersed by wind are Angsana, Lallang, Shorea and African Tulip.

Seeds that are dispersed by explosion often grow in pods. These pods have lines of weakness and will split open when they ripe. Sometimes the force of explosion would fling the seeds out and scatter them. Examples of seed dispersed by splitting /explosion are balsam, flame of forest and rubber.

 There are several way in which animals can help to disperse seeds.  One of the way is that seeds may hook onto the animals fur of passing animals and be carried to another place. These seeds are light and have hook-light structures. Examples are love grass and mimosa.

These fruits tend to be juicy and fleshly to attract the animals. They contain one or a few large seeds. Some examples are mango, durian and rambutan.  The last way is that animals may eat the fruits and swallow the seeds and later pass it out in their droppings. These fruits tend to have tiny seeds in case some seeds get damaged during the chewing and digestion process. Some examples are tomato,guava and kiwi.

1.How many ways can seeds be dispersed? ANSWER: 4

* Ans : All the young plants would grow around the parent plant and overcrowding would occur

*A*A ns: Angsana, Lallang, Shorea or African Tulip.