Describe the various ways by which seeds are dispersed.

The process of spreading seeds to different places is called dispersal of seeds. Seeds and fruits are dispersed by different places by wind, water and animals.

(i) Some seeds are light-weight and some have hair-like or wing-like structure on them. These seeds float on air and are dispersed by wind. Example- drumstick, maple, etc.

(ii) Some seeds are dispersed by water. It takes place in some aquatic plants and in some which grow near water body. These fruits or seeds usually develop floating ability in the form of spongy or fibrous outer coat as in cocoanut.

(iii) Some seeds are dispersed by animals. Such seeds have spine like structure through which they get attached to the bodies of animals and are carried to distant places. Examples are Xanthium and Urena.

(iv) Some seeds are dispersed when the fruits burst with sudden jerks. The seeds are scattered far from the parent plant. This happens in the case of castor and balsam.