SEED DISPERSAL- TYPES AND IMPORTANCE
INTRODUCTION
- The movement or transportation of seeds to new site for germination and birth of new individual is known as seed dispersal.
- Seeds can be dispersed away from parent plant through biotic (e.g., wind) or abiotic vectors (e.g., birds). Such mechanism is very important for biodiversity conservation.
- Adaptation is an evolutionary process that helps an organism make the most of its habitat. Seed dispersal is an example of adaptation, we can understand while see the mechanism of dispersal.
TYPES OR MODE OF SEED DISPERSAL
There are mainly five mode of dispersal of seed briefly described here.
- Dispersal by wind (Anemochory)- It is one of the more primitive type of seed dispersal and common with those plants bear light seeds or winged seeds. Seeds of the dandelions, orchids, cottonwood tree, hornbeam, ash, cattail, willow herb, are dispersed by the wind.
- Dispersal by water (Hydrochory)- Many aquatic and some terrestrial plants use water as means of dispersal. Depending upon the mode of water blown, seeds may travel short to very long distance from parent plant. Seeds from the plant like Coconut, palm, mangroves, water lily, water mint etc., lives nearby the waterbodies are dispersed by the water.
- Dispersal by animals (Zoochory)- Some plant species having adhesive mucus, hooks, spines and barbs are transported by animal’s fur, feathers or skin. Seed dispersal via ingestion by many birds and mammals’ animals are common for most tree species. Ants are the vectors of many shrubs also seed predators (rodents, squirrel) and some birds may also disperse seeds by hoarding the seeds in hidden caches. Humans are also vector of dispersal through their clothes, shoes and cars while travelling.
- Explosions-Some plants, like peas, gorse and flax, have seedpods that dry out once the seeds are ripe. When dry, the pods split open and the seeds scatter.
IMPORTANCE
Dispersal mechanism is important for ecology and evolution of plants and hence for conservation of biodiversity. It is necessary for species migration.
Read more…
SEED MEANING- FUNCTION & IMPORTANCE
SEED GERMINATION-PROCESS & FACTORS OF GERMINATION
SEED DORMANCY- DEFINITION, TYPES & IMPORTANCE