Describe the various ways by which seeds are dispersed.
Solution: Various ways by which seeds are dispersed are:
(i) Dispersal by wind: Light seeds or hairy seeds and hairy fruit get blown off with the wind to far away places. Examples: Sunflower, maple, drumsticks etc.
(ii) Dispersal by water: Fruits or seeds which develop floating ability in the form of spongy or fibrous
outer coat are carried away with to different places. Example: Coconut.
(iii) Dispersal by animals or birds: Spiny seeds with hooks which get attached to the bodies of animals and are carried to distant places. Also, the fruits are eaten up by animals and birds and their seeds get dispersed to far away places. Examples: Xanthium, Urena, Mango etc.
(iv) Dispersal by bursting: Some seeds are dispersed when the fruits burst with sudden jerks and the seeds are scattered far from the parent plant. Examples: castor and balsam.
(v) Dispersal by human being: Humans also play an important role in seed dispersal especially during plantation and farming. They also transport fruits which also help in the dispersal of seeds.