Summary
Spreading of seeds by wind, water, animals or explosive release to reduce competition.
In depth
Methods: wind (dandelion, sycamore), water (coconut), animals (burrs, edible fruits) and explosive (peas, gorse). Dispersal reduces competition with the parent and colonises new habitats.
Dispersal distance affects gene flow and colonisation. Many seeds have structures such as wings, hooks or fleshy fruits matched to dispersers. Ants carry seeds with oil-rich elaiosomes (myrmecochory).
Remember: dispersal reduces sibling competition and escapes natural enemies near the parent.
Dispersal helps plants colonise new places and avoid competition with the parent and pathogens near it (Janzen-Connell effect). Adaptations include wings (maple samaras), plumes (dandelion, with an unusual vortex that increases drag), hooks (burdock, inspiration for Velcro), fleshy fruits with seeds that survive gut passage, and elaiosomes (fatty bodies) that attract ants. Mangroves have floating propagules, and coconut can drift in the sea for months.
Animals are key dispersers of tropical trees; losing them (defaunation) can alter forest composition. Some plants disperse by exploding pods (squirting cucumber, up to several metres). Long-distance dispersal allows colonisation after glaciation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Seed Dispersal?
Spreading of seeds by wind, water, animals or explosive release to reduce competition.
Which area of biology covers Seed Dispersal, and how advanced is it?
Seed Dispersal is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Pollination, Seeds, Plant Kingdom.
Why does Seed Dispersal matter?
Dispersal affects invasive species spread and ecological restoration.
Can you give an example of Seed Dispersal?
Birds eating berries excrete seeds far away.
What should I learn before Seed Dispersal?
Seed Dispersal is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Plant Biology that pair well with it include Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll.
What topics are related to Seed Dispersal?
The closest topics to Seed Dispersal are Pollination, Seeds, Plant Kingdom, Plant Defence Responses. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Seed Dispersal?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Seed Dispersal. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is Seed Dispersal different from Pollination?
Seed Dispersal: Spreading of seeds by wind, water, animals or explosive release to reduce competition. Pollination: Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma by wind, insects or other agents. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Seed Dispersal step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Pollination and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.