Seed Dispersal Project Essay

Seed Dispersal Project by Ben Fesenmyer

Introduction

Plants make seeds to ensure the continuation of the species. The seeds that the plants make need to travel to get nutrients sunlight and water seed dispersal is how plants spread the seeds. There are 3 ways to spread seed by water by animals and by wind, in my project we are spreading seeds by wind. Wind dispersal is the most common method to spread seeds, the three main types of devices that carry seeds they are helicopter, glider and parachute. The helicopter way of dispersal uses one or two blades and a spinning motion to spread seeds. The next way a plant can spread a seed by wind is the glider method this method uses the elevation of the tree and two wings to glide for miles away

The explosion of just one plant can set off others causing a domino effect. Milkweed and poppy seed plants use this method. The water method of seed dispersal uses water and a seed that float to float the seeds. Plants which grow beside or in water often use water to disperse their seeds. These seeds are waterproof, and can have fluff or other structures to increase flotation. Coconuts have a hard wooden outer coating that keeps water out and helps the seed travel for very long distances in saltwater. This type of dispersal is used in coconuts, water lilies, and red mangroves. The protective coating on the seed can protect the seed for over a year. Seeds with sharp extensions of the pod of the seed can attach to animals and humans clothing and travel hundreds of miles. Any animal with a woolly coat the seed can attach to. Seed can also be spread by animals no eating the whole fruit. Some fruits have bright colors and nutrient rich flesh that attract animals like birds and mammals to eat them. The animals then disperse the seeds when they defecate or spit them out. The seed can also become an attractive food item for an animal that likes to cash food for the winter . Any seed the