What different features do seeds have to aid dispersal?

Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are transported away from the parent plant, thus enabling lesser competition from the parent plant and higher chances of survival. Seed dispersal is carried out by a number of agents, including wind, water, animals, human beings, fire, etc. Depending on which agent is preferred, the seeds have different adaptations. Some of these are listed here:

• Some seeds have hooks or burs on their surface that allow them...

Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are transported away from the parent plant, thus enabling lesser competition from the parent plant and higher chances of survival. Seed dispersal is carried out by a number of agents, including wind, water, animals, human beings, fire, etc. Depending on which agent is preferred, the seeds have different adaptations. Some of these are listed here:

• Some seeds have hooks or burs on their surface that allow them to attach to animal skins or furs, thus facilitating transport across large distances.


• Some seeds are very light and thus can be blown away by the wind.


• Another adaptation to allow wind dispersal is "wings" or fluff. Such unique structures allow the seeds to remain airborne for a longer time and thus enable dispersal across longer distances.


• Seeds can also have structures that generate higher buoyancy, thus keeping them afloat in water. Such seeds are also often waterproof.


• Some seeds are also encased in hard shells and can only be released by fires strong enough to kill the adult trees. These are uniquely adapted to dispersal by fire (although these hardly travel any distance and actually take up the space left vacant by the now burnt parent tree).

Hope this helps.