Fruits and Seeds Dispersal
Fruits and seeds dispersal is the process whereby fruits and seeds are scattered from their origin.
The various ways by which fruit and seed are dispersed are known as agents of seed and fruit dispersal.
Agents of Seed and Fruit Dispersal
Wind Dispersal
This is when seeds and fruits are dispersed by wind. These are mostly seeds or fruits with light weight and small size. Examples of such seeds are tomato, pepper, cotton seeds etc
Water Dispersal
This is when seeds and fruits are dispersed by water. These are mostly light weight and its relative density is lower than water. Examples of such seeds are coconut, white mangrove seed etc.
Animal Dispersal
This is when seeds and fruits are dispersed by animals. Seeds and fruits that use this way of dispersal are coloured and scented that attract animals, some are sticky, hairy and these may stick on animals and drop at different places. Examples are tomato, pepper, mango etc.
Explosion Mechanism
This is a way of fruit dispersal whereby dry pericarp of fruits are exploded. These exploded fruits release seeds out. Examples are okro, flambooyant etc
