Seed dispersion: what is, types and examples

Seed dispersion is a fundamental process in the life cycle of plants, since it allows The seeds move away from the mother plant and find adequate places to germinate and grow. This process is crucial for survival and propagation of plant species, since Avoid direct competition Between the progenitor plants and their young and promotes the Colonization of new habitats. There are several seed dispersion mechanisms, and each plant has developed specific strategies to maximize its opportunities for success.

Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and plants can use more than one strategy to ensure the dispersion of their seeds. The variety of methods reflects the diversity of Evolutionary adaptations that have allowed plants to colonize almost all terrestrial environments on the planet.

The dispersion of seeds not only benefits plants, but also plays an important role in ecosystems, since it contributes to the diversity and dynamism of plant communities. In addition, many interactions between plants and animals, such as food and dispersion of seeds, are essential for the health and sustainability of ecosystems.

Here you can learn more about plants adaptations: types and examples.

Wind dispersion (anemocoria)

Anemocoria is a seed dispersion method in which the wind acts as the main transport agent. The plants that use this method have developed light seeds often equipped with special structures that allow them to float in the air. This method is especially effective in open and windy areas, where the seeds can travel several kilometers from the mother plant.

Water dispersion (hydrocoria)

Hydrocoria is the dispersion of seeds through water. This method is common in plants that grow near bodies of water or in aquatic environments. The seeds of these plants are usually floating and can travel long distances with water currents. This method allows plants to colonize islands and coastal areas effectively.

Animal dispersion (zoocoria)

• Zoocoria: It implies the dispersion of seeds with the help of animals. There are several subcategories within this method:
• Epizoocoria: The seeds adhere outside the body of animals. This can be through hooks, thorns or sticky surfaces that are hooked to the fur or feathers.
• Endozoocoria: The seeds are ingested by animals along with the fleshy fruits that contain them. After passing through the animal’s digestive system, the seeds are excreted in a different place, often with the additional benefit of being surrounded by excrement nutrients, which facilitates germination. Here you can meet frugivorous animals: characteristics and list of examples.

Gravity dispersion (barocoria)

Barocoria is the simplest method of dispersion, where the seeds fall directly to the ground due to gravity. This method is common in plants with heavy seeds that are not easily transported by wind or animals. Although this method limits the dispersion distance, it is effective in environments where local conditions are conducive to germination and growth of new plants.

Mechanical dispersion (autocoria)

Autocoria is a method in which plants have developed internal mechanisms to launch their seeds at a certain distance. This can occur through the explosion of ripe fruits that catapult the seeds away from the mother plant. This method allows a broader dispersion and prevents direct competition with the parent plant.

Human dispersion (anthropocoria)

In addition to natural methods, seed dispersion can also be facilitated by human beings, a process known as anthropocoria. Humans have played a significant role in the dispersion of plants through agriculture, horticulture and commerce. The seeds can be transported intentionally for cultivation or accidentally through vehicles, clothing, and goods.

León tooth (taraxacum officinale)

León tooth is a classic example of wind dispersion (anemocoria). Their seeds are linked to structures similar to parachutes called vilanos, which allow them to be carried by the wind at great distances. When the wind blows, the seeds are detached from the fruit and float in the air, being able to land in favorable soils to germinate away from the mother plant.

In this link you can know the lion tooth: Properties, what it is for, contraindications and cultivation.

Coconotor (nucifera coconuts)

Cocotero is a remarkable example of Water dispersion (Hydrocoria). Coconut seeds are contained inside a fibrous shell that allows them to float. Cocos can fall into the water and be carried by ocean currents at large distances.

Bardana (Arcium Lappa)

The Bardana uses the Dispersion by animals (Zoocoria), specifically Epizoocoria. Their seeds have thorny structures with small hooks that easily adhere to the fur of animals. When the animals pass by the plant, the seeds are hooked and are transported to new places. Eventually, the seeds detach and fall into soils where they can germinate.

Acebo (ilex aquifolium)

Acebo is an example of Dispersion by animals (Zoocoria), specifically endozoocoria. Its fleshy and red fruits are attractive to birds such as blackbirds and petirrojos. Birds eat fruits and seeds pass through their digestive system, being excreted in new places.

Here you can learn more about Acebo: care and pruning.

Castaño (Castanea sativa)

The Castaño uses the gravity dispersion (Barocoria). Its seeds, known as chestnuts, are heavy and fall directly to the ground when they mature. Although this method limits dispersion to the immediate vicinity of the mother plant, it can be effective in dense forests where local conditions are suitable for germination. In addition, chestnuts can be transported by animals, such as squirrels, which collect and store seeds for winter, dispersing them in the process.

Know the different types of chestnuts here.

Balsamina (Impatiens spp.)

Balsamine is an excellent example of mechanical dispersion (Selfocoria). Its fruits, when they mature, exploit to the minimum contact, launching the seeds in several directions.

Corn (Zea mays)

Corn is an example of dispersion facilitated by humans (Anthropocoria). Originally from America, corn has been dispersed and cultivated globally thanks to human activity. Humans have transported corn seeds through continents, adapting their cultivation to different climatic conditions and soils, which has resulted in a wide diversity of varieties and a worldwide distribution of this plant.

Now that you have been able to learn all this about what is the dispersion of seeds, their types and examples, we recommend you read these other articles and ecology see on the seeds: what are and types and plants with seed: classification and examples.

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