Question

What is a seed? How are seed dispersed in nature?

Accepted Answer

A seed is a ripened ovule which contains the embryo and is covered by a protective coat. Seed dispersal takes place in the following ways:
Dispersal by animals — The seeds can be dispersed by animals in many ways. Sometimes fruits along with seeds are eaten by birds and other animals and these seeds get dispersed when they excrete the seeds somewhere away from the parent plant. The seeds can also be stuck to the animal body due to their special structure and hence get transferred to different sites. Example: Xanthium.

Dispersal by the wind — Wind carries away seeds that are usually small and have wings or hair-like structures. Example: Winged seeds of drumsticks, hairy fruit of the sunflower, etc.

Dispersal by water — Aquatic plants or plants that live near water have seeds that can float and are carried away by water. For example, coconuts can float and get dispersed by water.

Dispersal by the explosion —The seeds are dispersed by the bursting of fruits with sudden jerks. The seeds get distributed far from the parent plant. Examples: Castor and balsam.

Shalini Samadhiya Solutions for Exercise 4: Exercises

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