What Is Seed Dispersal?
Seed dispersal is when seeds move away from the plant they came from.
Plants can’t walk or fly, so they use special ways to spread their seeds.
Why is it important?
If all the seeds stay near the parent plant:
There won’t be enough sunlight or water.
They will all compete for space.
Some may not grow at all.
So, nature helps seeds move to better places where they can grow.
Why Do Seeds Need to Travel?
Here are a few reasons:
To avoid being too close to the parent plant.
To find better soil, water, and sunlight.
To spread plants to new areas.
To grow strong and healthy.
Different Ways Seeds Travel (Types of Seed Dispersal)
Nature uses many fun ways to move seeds around!
Let’s explore them:
Dispersal by Wind
Some seeds are light, small, or have wings or fluff.
This helps the wind carry them far away.
Examples:
Dandelion – Has fluffy hair that floats like a parachute.
Maple seeds – Have wing-like structures that spin as they fall.
Drumstick – Light seeds that are carried by the wind.
Fun Fact: Dandelion seeds can float in the air for miles!
Dispersal by Animals
Animals like to eat fruits.
When they eat fruits, they carry the seeds inside their bodies.
Later, the seeds come out in animal poop, far from the parent plant!
Also, some seeds stick to animal fur, feathers, or even our clothes!
Examples:
Mango, apple, guava – Eaten by animals, seeds passed out later.
Burdock seeds – Have hooks that cling to fur.
Grass burrs – Stick to animal fur or socks!
Fun Fact: Birds help plant seeds without even knowing it!
Dispersal by Water
Some plants grow near rivers, lakes, or oceans.
Their seeds can float and travel in water.
Examples:
Coconut – Has a fibrous husk that helps it float across oceans!
Lotus – Seeds float and spread in water bodies.
Fun Fact: A coconut seed can travel across seas to reach another island!
Dispersal by Explosion (Bursting)
Some plants have pods that burst open when dry.
This throws the seeds in many directions!
Examples:
Peas, beans – Pods split and shoot seeds out.
Balsam – Seedpods explode when touched!
Fun Fact: Some seeds can be thrown as far as 10 feet!
Dispersal by Humans
Yes, people also help in seed dispersal!
We grow fruits and throw seeds.
We carry seeds on clothes or shoes.
We plant seeds in farms and gardens.
Examples:
Wheat, rice, corn – Grown by farmers.
Tomatoes, chili, pumpkin – From kitchen to garden!
Fun Fact: Humans have helped plants travel across the world!
Let’s Match! (Fun Activity)
Match the seed with how it travels:
Seed How It Travels
Coconut Water
Dandelion Wind
Mango Animals
Pea Explosion
Corn Humans
Answer Key: Coconut-Water, Dandelion-Wind, Mango-Animals, Pea-Explosion, Corn-Humans
Make Your Own Seed Dispersal Craft!
Let’s try this fun activity:
You’ll need:
Paper
Scissors
Cotton
Glue
Steps:
Cut out a small circle – this is your “seed. ”
Glue cotton around it – like dandelion fluff.
Blow gently – see how far it flies!
Real-Life Examples Around You
See dandelion fluff fly in the garden – wind is at work!
Eat a mango – find the seed inside!
Watch a pea pod dry – it might pop open!
Visit a pond – look for floating seeds.
Walk through grass – do burrs stick to your socks?
