Modes for seed dispersal include self-projectile mechanisms, wind, water, and animals. To help their chances that at least some of the seeds land in a place suitable for growth, these plants have to produce lots of seeds. – goosegrass, burdock, wood avens . Modifications in seed structure, composition, and size help in dispersal. Another strategy for seed dispersal is to use animals to carry seeds to suitable locations. Another way for animals to help in seed dispersal is for the animals to actually plant the seeds themselves. Wind dispersal is also is a popular method of seed dispersal. Many angiosperms — flowering plants, that is — require the help of animals to spread their seeds around since, as we've discussed, they're incapable of doing so themselves. Dispersal by Animals: Seeds that are adapted for dispersal by animals are disseminated in two general ways: in the case of fleshy fruits, a portion of the fruit is eaten by the animals, while any dry fruits adhere to animals. #seeds #science #teaching I wrote this one for my elementary science classes to help them learn about seeds and seed dispersal. PDF | Seed dispersal by animals is a complex phenomenon, characterized by multiple mechanisms and variable outcomes. Many plants have seeds that use water as a means of dispersal. This plant is killed by fire but uses the fire to trigger seed dispersal. DISPERSAL OF SEEDS BY ANIMALS. The stones and pips pass through the animal's digestive system and are excreted to form new plants. Making their seeds food. Yet most plants the help of animals to get the job done. There are several methods plants use to get animals to carry their seeds. Some plants have barbs or similar mechanisms on their seeds. First, some plants, like the burrs that get stuck in Darcy's tail, have barbs or other structures that get tangled in animal fur or feathers. E.g. By the time the seed is pulled out or drops, it has been carried to a new location. The animal eats the fruit but only the juicy part is digested. Some animals may also spit out the seeds while eating the fruit. The seeds then get dispersed through the animal’s droppings. Also, the excretions of animals like feces, manure, bung or poop whatever you name it, help in seed dispersal process. In some cases if fires are frequent and do not reach the correct temperature, the species will be killed and the seeds not dispersed ( the right heat is crucial to the seeds dispersal mechanism). This atmosphere and temperature create a conducive scenario for seed germination. This means that plants and animals are working together in nature to make pollination and seed dispersal possible. Dispersal by Animals . Kids really enjoyed thinking about this one- mostly because they like to say the word ‘poop’! When animals, birds, and humans eat the mango they only eat the pulp, and the rest over they drop somewhere far from the main plant. Animals help maintain the Earth's natural environments by predating upon plants and other animals, pollinating various plants, and exhaling carbon dioxide, which green plants require to live. Seeds can get stuck in animals' fur. The common dandelion is a good example of this type of seed dispersal. Some plants have developed relationships with animals to help them spread their seeds. Plants need help to pollinate and spread their seeds. Alternatively, the plants might make tasty fruit to enclose the seeds, which attract animals to eat them. With wind dispersal, the seeds are simply blown about and land in all kinds of places. Some seeds are transported by wind, and have seeds designed to float, glide or spin through the air. Guide children to conclude that plants need the help of animals for pollination and seed dispersal in order to reproduce. The huge animals are also very useful for dispersal. Plants, being stationary, require a mobile mode for seed dispersal. These seeds have an umbrella shaped top that works like a parachute. Many seeds are contained inside tasty fruits, including nuts and berries. The Pollination Situation Some plants are pollinated by birds – like the hummingbird. Some fruit have built-in mechanisms so they can disperse by themselves, whereas others require the help of agents like wind, water, and animals (Figure 1). Some seeds cling to the fur of the animals and are carried to new areas. Animal dispersal  Animals disperse seeds in several ways. These get eaten by hungry birds and other small animals. On the other hand, the animals rely on the plants for food (nectar and nuts or berries). There are five main modes of seed dispersal: gravity, wind, ballistic, water and by animals. 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