Seed & Fruit Dispersal (Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology): Revision Note

Seed & Fruit Dispersal

• Fruit and seed dispersal is required in order to distribute seeds away from the parent plant; this prevents overcrowding and reduces competition between offspring and the parent plant

  • It may also serve as a way to colonise new habitats 

• Methods of fruit and seed dispersal include:

  • Wind 

    • Parachute- or wing-shaped, lightweight fruits and seeds have a large surface area which will ensure that it is easily transported by air currents

Adaptations for wind dispersal diagram

Certain fruits and seeds are adapted to be transported by wind

• Animals

  • Fleshy fruit that is often brightly coloured is eaten by animals

    • The seeds will pass through the alimentary canal and leave the body in the faeces

  • Sticky or hooked seeds catch on to the fur or feathers of passing animals

Adaptations for animal dispersal diagram

Fruits and seeds of certain species have adaptations that allow them to be dispersed by animals

• Seed dispersal can often be confused with pollination

  • Pollination is the transfer of pollen from anther to stigma, while seed dispersal is the distribution of mature seeds; both processes can involve wind or animals