Seed Dispersal

This week, we studied about how seeds travel and the characteristics of the seeds for each type of dispersal. Our seeds collection came in handy to discuss the adaptation each seed have.

 

Wind Dispersal

I used Tridax and milk weed for parachute seeds, Indian elm and Tecoma stans for flutters and spinners, some Moringa seeds (drumstick), samaras of casuarina pine for helicopter seeds.

Dispersal by Explosion

These seeds were one of our favorite play things in our childhood. We used to keep these in the palm and show them in the sunlight to watch the seeds burst and scatter.

     

Water Dispersal

These are tamanu seeds- an example for drift seeds which I collected in the Tharangambadi (Tranquebar) beach during a visit. Drift seeds like sea beans, coconut, and tamanu seeds are adapted for long distance dispersal by water. 

Animal Dispersal - Food

This is a very common scene in our place which helped us to discuss about animal dispersal.  The bright red banyan fruits are eaten by the crows; the undigested seeds are discharged and germinated somewhere - here on a palm tree.

Animal Dispersal - Hitchhikers