Seed Dispersal

Seed Dispersal

Ripe seeds can be scattered in many ways. Huge seeds like the coconut might be carried by the sea; some seeds are enclosed in tasty fruits which animals take away to eat. Some of those seeds survive being eaten and are excreted in the bird or animal droppings, which in turn provide a good fertiliser for the young plants. Other fruits explode and shoot their seeds out. Small seeds may be carried to new areas by the wind - like the ones with feathery parachutes shown here. [CH] {EB}