Seed Dispersal: They’ve Been Everywhere Man Online lesson 3

Recap last lesson Last lesson you learned about how flowers are pollinated and fertilized. We also took a close look at pollinators, what kinds there are, and their importance to plant survival. It was also made clear that some insects, such as bees, have special adaptations that help them to collect more pollen, and in turn pollinate.

Seed Dispersal While it is very important for plant species for pollinators to do their job, it is also incredibly important that the seeds that are a result of pollination, are moved around. Seed dispersal basically means seeds being spread around. Seed dispersal is very important for plant species survival, because if all seeds dropped just under the plant, there would be too much competition for resources, and none of the seedlings would survive.

Similarities to Pollination Like pollination and pollen, seed dispersal often relies on animals and moving objects to help the seeds spread. However, plants have also adapted to giving their seeds special structures to aid the scattering of the seeds.

Video You are to watch this 10 minute video on seed dispersal (follow the link). It is a part of the “The Secret Life of Plants” series by David Attenborough.video This video outlines some methods plants use for seed dispersal. You will be answering questions afterwards, so pay attention!

References All graphics used were courtesy of Microsoft Clipart