Chart Of Different Seeds And Fruits And Mode Of Dispersal
Seeds and fruits play a vital role in the survival and reproduction of plants. They contain all the necessary nutrients and genetic information required for the growth of a new plant. However, for these seeds and fruits to grow into new plants, they need to be dispersed away from their parent plant. This is where the mode of dispersal comes into play. In this article, we will discuss the different types of seeds and fruits and how they are dispersed.
Types of Seeds
Seeds can be classified into two types: angiosperms and gymnosperms. Angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds that are enclosed in a fruit. Gymnosperms, on the other hand, are non-flowering plants that produce seeds that are not enclosed in a fruit.
Mode of Dispersal for Angiosperms
Angiosperms use different modes of dispersal for their seeds and fruits. Some of the common modes of dispersal include:
Wind Dispersal
Seeds and fruits that are dispersed by wind have special adaptations that allow them to be carried away by the wind. For example, they may have wings or hairs that help them float in the air. Examples of plants that use wind dispersal include dandelions, maple trees, and cottonwood trees.
Animal Dispersal
Animals are also an important mode of seed and fruit dispersal. Some plants produce fruits that are attractive to animals, such as berries and apples. When the animals eat the fruit, they may swallow the seeds whole, which are later dispersed in their droppings. Other plants produce seeds that have hooks or barbs that stick to the fur or feathers of animals, allowing them to be carried away. Examples of plants that use animal dispersal include strawberries, raspberries, and burdock.
Water Dispersal
Seeds and fruits that are dispersed by water are usually designed to float. They may have a spongy or fibrous outer layer that allows them to stay afloat for long periods. Examples of plants that use water dispersal include coconuts, mangroves, and water lilies.
Mode of Dispersal for Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms also use different modes of dispersal for their seeds. Some of the common modes of dispersal include:
Wind Dispersal
Gymnosperms that use wind dispersal produce seeds that are lightweight and have wings or other structures that help them float in the air. Examples of gymnosperms that use wind dispersal include pine trees, spruce trees, and fir trees.
Animal Dispersal
Some gymnosperms produce seeds that are attractive to animals, such as birds and squirrels. When the animals eat the seeds, they may swallow them whole, which are later dispersed in their droppings. Examples of gymnosperms that use animal dispersal include juniper trees, cedar trees, and yew trees.
Conclusion
The mode of dispersal for seeds and fruits is an important aspect of plant survival and reproduction. By using different modes of dispersal, plants are able to spread their seeds and fruits over a wider area, increasing the chances of survival and reproduction. Understanding the different types of seeds and fruits and how they are dispersed is crucial for anyone interested in studying plant biology or ecology.