Question

Which one of the following method is important for seed dispersal in Areca and Nipa?

• A. Autochory
• B. Hydrochory
• C. Zoochory
• D. Anemochory

Answer 1

The correct option is B Hydrochory

Areca is a coastal plant and possesses fibrous mesocarp which enables floating.
Nipa is also a coastal plant. Its fruits are fibrous and buoyant. These properties enable the fruit to float.
Autochory is also called as self-dispersal mechanism in which the fruit at maturity burst opens with a jerk and scatters its seeds here and there. As said above, Areca and Nipa are coastal plants and their fruits can float.
Zoochory is seed or fruit dispersal by animals. For this type of dispersal, the seeds or fruits should possess some structural peculiarities as hooks, spines, sticky glands. But Areca and Nipa fruits do not possess any of them.
Anemochory is seed or fruit dispersal by wind. Fruits which are dispersed by wind are lightweight and have some morphological characteristics as wings, hairs. Areca and Nipa fruits are fibrous, and do not possess hairs or wings.
Areca and Nipa are coastal plant with fibrous buoyant fruits. These properties enable the fruits to float. Such fibrous fruits can float for long distances.
Therefore, the correct answer is option B.