Question

Coconut is a large and heavy fruit. How is it adapted for dispersal by water?

Answer 1

Coconut:

1. A drupe is a fruit with a hard, rocky covering containing the seed.
2. The three layers of coconut and all drupes are the exocarp (outside layer), mesocarp (fleshy middle layer), and endocarp (a hard and woody layer that surrounds the seed).

Dispersal:

1. It occurs by water.
2. This type of dispersal is known as hydrochory.

Adaptation:

1. The coconuts have a fibrous outer coating that allows them to float on water.
2. They have the ability to float on water so they can land and germinate.