Fruit and Seed Dispersal

A series of free Science Lessons for 7th Grade and 8th Grade, KS3 and Checkpoint Science in preparation for GCSE and IGCSE Science.

Fruit and Seed Dispersal
Seeds are dispersed away from each other and from the parent plant so that there is less competition. Some methods of seed dispersal are:

1. Wind - light and have extensions which act as parachutes or wings to catch the wind. Example: dandelion, sycamore.
   
2. Animal (internal) - fruits which contain seeds with indigestible coats so that they are not digested and are excreted in animals' droppings some distance away. Example: tomato, plum, raspberry, grape.
   
3. Animal (external) - fruits have hooks which attach them to the fur of passing animals. Example: goose grass, burdock.
   
4. Explosive/self propelled - pod burst open when ripe projecting the seeds away from the plant. Example: pea pod.
   
5. Water - light and buoyant fruit, giving them the ability to float. Example: coconuts, willow and silver birches.

Try the free Mathway calculator and problem solver below to practice various math topics. Try the given examples, or type in your own problem and check your answer with the step-by-step explanations.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.