Seed dispersal — Biology, 7–10 years
Seeds need ways to travel away from the parent plant. Biology, 7–10 years.
Seeds can travel
A seed does not always grow beside the plant that made it. Wind can carry a dandelion seed, water can float a coconut, and an animal can move a berry seed after eating the fruit. This spreading is called seed dispersal.
Why seeds move away
If every new plant grew directly under its parent, the seedlings would crowd one another and share the same light, water and minerals. Moving seeds gives them new places to try. It also helps a plant reach ground that is far from the original plant.
A dandelion seed
Look at a dandelion seed: first, the seed is attached to a tiny parachute of hairs. Next, a breeze lifts the parachute. Then it carries the seed across the grass until it lands. If the soil is suitable and it gets water, the seed may grow into a new plant.
Not every seed grows where it lands
It is reasonable to think that a seed will grow wherever it lands, because seeds often look ready to sprout. In reality, it needs enough water, light, warmth and a suitable place for its roots. A seed can travel successfully and still fail to become a plant.
Seeds in the world around us
You can spot dispersal in a park: sticky seeds cling to a dog’s fur, winged seeds spin down, and berries are carried by birds. Gardeners use similar knowledge when planting seeds with space between them. Restoring a woodland also depends on choosing where seeds can reach safe soil.
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