Question one How do seeds disperse?

WIND DISPERSAL Characteristics: Examples: Angsana Lalang Shorea Small and light Wing-like structure/parachute-like structure Flutters to the ground while others float in the breeze Examples: Angsana Lalang Shorea Sycamore Dandelions

Wind dispersal information: Wind dispersal can take on one out of two primary forms: Seeds can float on the breeze or alternatively, or they can flutter to the ground. The classic examples of this dispersal includes dandelions, which have feathery pappus attached to their seeds and can be dispersed, and maples, which have winged seeds and flutter to the ground. Plants with seeds that use wind dispersal normally have clusters of seeds instead of just a seed as this is to maximize the likelihood of landing in a suitable place for landing for germination. Reliance on wind dispersal is common among many weedy or ( grow along roadsides or at rubbish places) ruderal species.

ANIMAL DISPERSAL Characteristics: Examples: Some seeds are tasty to animals or held inside tempting, fleshy fruit. Animals will eat them and the seeds will be passed out in their droppings. Some seeds have hooks such as goosegrass, they catch in the fur of passing animals. Examples: Rambutan Durian Hooks that catch on animals fur. Guava Tomato Burdock fruit Mimosa burrs that “stick” onto animals and people Love grass

Animals dispersal information: Seed contained edible fruit (e.g. figs, tomato, mango, berries) can be distributed by animals which eat the fruit and then eventually excrete them in another location. Burrs and hooks: Certain seeds have burrs, hooks or thorns The aim is to attach themselves to the skin or fur of a passing or foraging animals (or clothes in the case of humans) the animal moves to another location where hopefully the seed drops and germinates. Insects: Many insects collect seed for food (e.g ants, termites etc.) the seed is then taken back to the nest where it may germinate or be dropped and germinates.

Water Dispersal Characteristics: Examples: Coconut Nipah Pong Pong Have water-proof shells Lightweight husk that trap air and enables it to float in the water Examples: Coconut Nipah Pong Pong lotus

Water dispersal information: Seeds can travel for extremely long distances depending on the specific mode of water dispersal. Water lily is an example of such a plant. Water lilies’ flowers make a fruit that floats in the water for a while and then drops to the bottom to take root on the floor of the pond. The seeds of palm trees can also be dispersed by water if they grow near oceans, the seeds can be transported by ocean currents over long distances, allowing seeds to be dispersed as far as other continents. Mangrove trees live right in the water, their seeds fall from the trees and grow roots as soon as they touch any kind of soil.

Drop and roll Gravity We are HORSE CHESTNUTS! Low tide - might fall in soil instead of water and start growing from where they fell. High tide - they can be carried far away from where they fell. Here is a short clip on water dispersal. Drop and roll The casing of the fruit of horse chestnuts split when they land onto the ground. The fruit then rolls away from the tree. Gravity Certain seeds are heavy and rounded in shape, this facilitates the seeds from falling from the seed pod and rolling a distance from the parent plant. Fruits exhibiting this type of dispersal include apples, coconuts and passion fruit and those with harder shells . We are HORSE CHESTNUTS! Passion Fruit

Explosive actions Characteristics: Explosive actions information: The fruits split open with an explosive force. Sending the seeds inside them in different directions at high speed. Examples: Flame of the Forest Balsam African tulip Kapok Explosive actions information: Some plants disperse their own seeds. The pods dry and split open suddenly with some considerable force which throws their seeds for some distance e.g. labunun, peas It would not do for seeds to fall and grow beneath the parent plants because of increased competition for food, light, water etc.

Why is seed dispersal important? Question 2 Why is seed dispersal important?

Benefits of seed dispersal information: Dispersal is the last important step before the new offspring finally establish independence on their own. First, seed survival is often higher away from the parent plant. Seed dispersal also allows plants to reach specific habitats that are favourable for survival. If seeds grew beneath the parent plants they would be starved of nutrients caused by overcrowding. Therefore it is important that the seeds are dispersed over a wide area where they stand a better chance of surviving. Overcrowding VS Spacious

Importance of Seed dispersal information: It allows colonization of new habitats. To ensure the continuity of that type of plant species so that it does not become extinct. It allows seeds to “spread out” preventing overcrowding of plants.

Summary After fertilization, seeds will form. It is important for the seeds to be away from each other and from the parent plant. This helps to avoid overcrowding and the competition for light, mineral salts and water that would result . Dispersal also enables species to take advantage of new opportunities and to survive if conditions for the parent plant becomes unsuitable.

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