#Seed Dispersal

[dailybotany]

I found a single individual of the Nightshade family while weeding a part of my mom's garden for her. No other ones around. I didn't know what it was at first so I looking it up with a plant identification app. There's a lot of birds around so I'm assuming that's how the plant got there. Berries are usually used by plants to disperse their seeds right? So why is nightshade usually so deadly? (Also I did pluck the plant like a weed. She plans on getting a dog and I didn't want it eating it and dying. Neat plants, wrong place for it. I do leave more harmless and less aggressively invasive weeds alone.)

Short answer: because birds aren't mammals!

Slightly longer answer: because birds are reptiles, the way birds metabolize different compounds often departs significantly from how mammals do it. Because birds are weird hot-blooded reptiles, this also differs from how many "typical" reptiles metabolize things.

In addition, depending on what species of nightshade you pulled, its entirely possible that their berries are not toxic to mammals (or at least are minimally so!). Take tomatoes, for a well known example!

Additionally, if your mom is using fresh compost or unsanitized soil (in this case, getting rid of seeds is included in 'sanitization'), it could have come from that. Or, if she is breaking new ground and establishing this garden, it could be that it came from the seed bank!

[awkwardbotany]

Tea Time: Fireweed

lf you’ve seen one fireweed, you’ve probably seen several. As an early successional species, growing in large numbers across a vast amount of space is kind of its thing. Any disturbance that leaves bare ground in its wake, such as a wildfire or a windstorm, gives fireweed the opportunity to colonize. It grows quickly and spreads via rhizomes, producing thousands of airborne seeds in the process,…

[biology-geology-beaches-india]

What were abundant on this shoreline, devoid of all molluscan shell debris, let alone of intact seashells, were these elliptical seed pods, presumably buoyant, that help spread the species along the coastline. Huge numbers of them were present here, they ubiquitous on this shore, to the point of being overkill.

A strange seashore indeed, marked by molluscan infertility and botanic fertility!!!!, a similar situation witnessed on a certain sector of the Andhra coastline in India by me, although the norm is that molluscan fertility far exceeds that of any shoreline plant species, seashells everywhere, plant propagative structures few and far between.

Davis Beach, near Digos City, Mindanao, The Philippines. January, 2024.

[rcannon992]

Elaiosomes: tasty treats for hard-working ants

Ants have a close association with red and white dead nettles (Lamium purpureum and L. album) and carry off the seeds to their nests, where they feed the smooth folded, nutritious attachment (elaiosome) to their developing larvae. The seed itself is not consumed, and is either left in the nest or dispersed a short distance, e.g. to a pile or midden outside the nest. Lamium album, white…

[campsightdesign]

Bat infographic.  Photoshop and illustrator.  By me.

[official-nature-posts]

Official nature post

love when dogs come back to you with seeds stuck to them. lmao get used as dispersal idiot. that’s just what you get for snuffling the grasses

[fanciedfacts]

Bats are not evil after all

We're wrong about bats🦇. They're not bloodthirsty monsters🧌 who won't convert you into vampires 🧛 They're productive for the ecosystem as power pollinators.

[scienceofsustainability]

The Service of Seed Dispersal

Milkweed

Seeds contain the information for one generation of plant to become another generation.  They contain an immature plant and all that is needed for it to sprout in a new location, and grow into an adult plant.  Seeds are a basic input for agriculture, and nature, because without seeds, forests would no longer exist.  Forests perform many ecological services such as cleaning air and water, and they also provide us with valuable products such as wood and food.

While plants need sun, water, and space to grow, a seed cannot get these things if it falls below its parent, so seeds need to get to a new location in order to find the resources they need for growth.  This relocation of seeds is called dispersal. Since seeds do not have the structures that animals have to move from one place to another, they have different strategies for dispersing to new locations.

Seed dispersal occurs by four means:

Dispersal by wind

Some plants have evolved seeds that use wind power to transport them from one location to another.  These seeds are small and light in weight.  Some even have special structures such as wings or fluff to catch the air and increase the seed’s hang time in the air, allowing it to travel farther distances.  

Dispersal by water

Plants which grow in or beside water often use the water as a means of dispersal.  These seeds are conveniently waterproof and can have fluff or other structures to increase their ability to float on top of the water. 

Dispersal by animals and birds 

These seeds are usually light and sticky or have hooks, so when animals and even people come in contact with these seeds, they can have them stick to their fur or clothing, aiding in dispersal.  Small animals such as squirrels bury seeds and forget where they are, thereby planting a tree far away from the parent plant.   Seeds from edible fleshy fruits are often dispersed through waste products miles away from the source, as they are excreted by animals and birds, along with a supply of fertilizer. 

Autochory

Some plants store their seeds in pods, and when the seed matures the pod dries out and starts to shrink around the seed, eventually bursting, dispersing seeds in all directions. 

Seed dispersal is nature's way of decreasing competition between parent plants and seedlings. It also helps to reduce overcrowding, which controls competition for light, space, and nutrients.

Nagendra, M. S. (2020). Seed dispersal and its ecological significance. Agric Food, 2(1), 244-248.

[mathsciencetuition]

Explaining the Mysteries of Plant Seed Dispersal

Life's greatest architects are seeds, which are frequently little and modest. They represent the future potential of forests, meadows, and crops. Yet, for these embryonic plants to fulfil their destiny, they must venture far from their parent plant. This is where seed dispersal comes into play, a fundamental ecological process that ensures the survival and proliferation of plant species. In this exploration, we will delve into the intricacies of seed dispersal, its methods, and why it's crucial for the natural world, shedding light on how science tuition can illuminate this captivating facet of our environment.

Before we embark on the journey of seed dispersal, it's essential to understand what a seed is.

What is Seed?

In botanical terms, a seed is nature's encapsulated promise, a tiny vessel of life that holds within it the blueprint for a new plant. At its core, a seed is a fertilized ovule that harbors the embryonic plant, safeguarded within a protective outer layer known as the seed coat. Within this unassuming structure lies the genetic code that guides the growth and eventual reproduction of a plant. A seed, in essence, is the embodiment of life's continuity and resilience, encapsulated in a small, unassuming package.

What is Seed Dispersal?

Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are transported away from their parent plant to new locations. This separation is vital for a plant's survival as it reduces competition for resources with its parent and enhances the chances of germination and growth. Nature has devised ingenious ways to disperse seeds, ensuring their widespread distribution.

Importance of Seed Dispersal:

The significance of seed dispersal extends far beyond the individual plant. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. Here's why seed dispersal is crucial:

Biodiversity: Seed dispersal fosters genetic diversity within plant populations. This diversity helps plants adapt to changing environmental conditions, such as climate shifts or emerging diseases, ensuring their long-term survival.

Ecosystem Functioning: Many animals rely on fruits and seeds as a food source. Seed dispersal by animals maintains a balanced ecosystem by ensuring that plants can regenerate and provide sustenance to herbivores.

Plant Colonization: Seed dispersal allows plants to colonize new areas. This is particularly important after disturbances like wildfires or landslides when plants need to decolonize the affected regions.

Now, let's explore the various methods of seed dispersal.

Methods of Seed Dispersal:

The diverse and ingenious methods of seed dispersal are a testament to nature's adaptability. These mechanisms have evolved over millennia to ensure the survival and proliferation of plant species across the globe:

Wind:

Wind dispersal is a prevalent method employed by plants with lightweight seeds. Remarkably adapted for this mode of dispersal, seeds such as those of dandelions and maple trees are equipped with structures like parachutes or wings. When released, they catch the wind and travel remarkable distances, enabling them to settle in new and often distant locations.

Water:

Aquatic plants employ water as a highly effective dispersal agent. Seeds of these plants can float on the water's surface, embarking on aquatic journeys that can take them far from their parent plants. Coconuts are a classic example, renowned for their ability to float and disperse via ocean currents, sometimes washing up on distant shores.

Gravity:

The simplest method, gravity dispersal, sees seeds dropping to the ground below the parent plant. This mechanism is especially suited to larger, heavier seeds, like acorns. While it keeps seeds relatively close to their parent, it reduces the competition for resources within the same vicinity, promoting healthy plant growth.

Animal and Bird:

Many plants have formed partnerships with animals and birds to aid in seed dispersal. Fruits and seeds often serve as enticing food sources, and animals unknowingly become couriers as seeds pass through their digestive systems, later deposited in new locations through their feces. Some seeds, like those of burdock, feature hooks or barbs that cling to animal fur, facilitating transportation.

Explosions:

A fascinating mechanism employed by certain plants involves explosive seed dispersal. These plants have evolved pods or structures that burst open when touched or triggered, forcefully ejecting seeds in multiple directions. The touch-me-not plant is a prime example, demonstrating this explosive method to disperse its seeds.

Fire:

In fire-prone ecosystems, some plants have adapted to harness the power of wildfires. They produce seeds that are heat-resistant, ensuring their survival amidst the flames. After a fire, these seeds find fertile ground in the newly cleared and nutrient-rich soil, contributing to post-fire ecosystem recovery.

These diverse methods of seed dispersal highlight the remarkable adaptations that plants have developed to ensure their offspring's journey to new horizons. Each method is a testament to nature's intricate and often ingenious ways of perpetuating life.

The Roles of Science Tuition to Learn More about Seeds and Plants:

Understanding seed dispersal is integral to comprehending the life cycle of plants. This natural process ensures the continuation of plant species, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem health. To grasp the significance of seed dispersal, students must first delve into the intricacies of a plant's life cycle. Science tuition is the first way to grasping this essential knowledge.

In Singapore, Science tuition plays a pivotal role in nurturing students' understanding these biological concepts. These programs equip students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills necessary to appreciate the importance of seed dispersal within a plant's life cycle. One exemplary institution is the Miracle Learning Centre, a renowned Science tuition centre in Singapore. They take a hands-on approach to teaching, making complex topics like seed dispersal accessible and engaging for students. Through innovative teaching methods and interactive lessons, Miracle Learning Centre ensures that students not only understand the science behind seed dispersal but also appreciate its real-world ecological significance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, seed dispersal, a seemingly simple process, is vital for the survival of countless plant species and the overall health of ecosystems. It's a testament to nature's ingenuity, with various methods ensuring that seeds reach new territories. Understanding these mechanisms is not only a fascinating journey into the natural world but also a critical step in preserving the biodiversity and functionality of our planet. Through science tuition and continued research, we can unlock the secrets of seed dispersal. To delve deeper into this captivating subject, consider exploring the resources offered by Miracle Learning Centre. To know more about this, visit their website and embark on a remarkable educational journey.

[awkwardbotany]

What Is Cheatgrass and Why Should I Care?

To understand the current state of rangeland wildfires in the Intermountain West, you must first familiarize yourself with a plant commonly referred to as cheatgrass. This annual grass moved into the region over a century ago, and its spread has had a massive impact on the environment, as well as the economy and our way of life. Just the very mention of cheatgrass in the West will get some…

[tenth-sentence]

Seed dormancy is an intrinsic temporal block to the completion of germination that provides additional time for seed dispersal over greater geographic distances, or for seasonal dormancy cycling in the soil seed bank (described later in the chapter).

"Plant Physiology and Development" int'l 6e - Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A.

[princetonuniversitypress]

Discover the wonders of trees and the company they keep.

You can tell a lot about a tree from the company it keeps. With their elaborate immune responses, trees recruit a host of allies as predators and parasites to defend against uninvited advances from organisms that chew on leaves, drain sap, and bore into wood. Microbial life thrives in the hidden spaces of leaf scales, twigs, and bark, while birds, mammals, and insects benefit from the more visible resources trees provide. In return, animals help with pollination, seed dispersal, and recycling of nutrients.

Author James Nardi guides you through the innermost unseen world that trees share with a wondrous array of creatures.

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 191

So. Apparently immortality does in fact exist. And is apparently very easily accidentally achieved, if the fact an entire city has it now. 

The GIW will be waiting a very long time to be able to drop that ghost shield, because the city doesn’t seem to be dying out anytime soon. Or at all actually. It’s been several generations now. 

They might need to request assistance. Maybe before others start to investigate now that vigilantes are becoming a semi-common thing.

[occasionallybirds]

Dude, careful, you're standing on poison ivy!

White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis)

Feb 27, 2024

Southeastern Pennsylvania

[kiwisoap]

Something so crazy is that I started this temp job in Texas and they paired me with a random coworker to live with for like 2 months. And when we met and were getting to know each other I mentioned that I did my thesis on avian seed dispersal and he was like "NO WAY I did my thesis on secondary seed dispersal!" and I was like "omg. Would you happen to remember citing any papers from Dr. Kwit, he does a lot of secondary seed dispersal" and he said yes and I was like "He was on my committee" LMAO

[alleghenyfeverdreams]

Milkweed seed pin, 2023