Lecture Notes: Seed Dispersal

Introduction to Seed Movement

• Chorus:
  • Seeds are constantly moving and need to get away from their parent plants or trees.
  • Methods of movement include by air, land, and sea.

Seed Dispersal by Animals

• Example: Acorns
  • Acorns fall from oak trees and rely on squirrels for movement.
  • Squirrels store acorns far away, sometimes forgetting them, allowing new oak trees to grow.

Seed Dispersal by Water

• Example: Coconuts
  • Coconuts fall from palm trees and can be moved by crabs or water.
  • They float in the sea, traveling for weeks, before landing on remote beaches where they can sprout.

Seed Dispersal by Air

• Example: Maple Seeds
  • Maple seeds fly through the air like helicopters when the wind blows.
  • They can travel far and grow new trees in distant places.

Seed Dispersal by Hitchhiking

• Example: Burs
  • Burs attach to animals or clothing to travel.
  • They can be found on clothing after walking through forests.
  • When removed, they can be dropped in new areas to germinate.

Conclusion: Diversity of Seed Dispersal

• Various plants and trees use different methods of seed dispersal, highlighting the diversity in nature.
• Encouragement to research additional methods of seed travel.