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Dispersing Plant Seeds

Seeds grow into new plants. Plants need to have a way to disperse (spread) their seeds. The size and shape of seeds can show us how they are dispersed.

Wind dispersal

Wind dispersal

  • Light and fluffy seeds blow in the wind.
    • Dandelion seeds are an example.
Wind dispersal 2

Wind dispersal 2

  • ‘Helicopter’ seeds spin and ‘glide’ away.
    • Sycamore seeds are an example.
Animal dispersal

Animal dispersal

  • Tasty fruits are eaten by animals that then drop the seeds.
    • Blackberries are an example.
Animal dispersal 2

Animal dispersal 2

  • Squirrels and jays bury acorns to eat later.
    • The forgotten acorns grow into oak trees.
Animal dispersal 3

Animal dispersal 3

  • Sticky or barbed seeds stick to the fur of an animal.
    • Burdock is an example.

Dispersing Plant Seeds

Seeds grow into new plants. Plants need to have a way to disperse (spread) their seeds. The size and shape of seeds can show us how they are dispersed.

Water dispersal

Water dispersal

  • Seeds that grow near water can float away.
    • Coconuts are an example.
Explosion dispersal

Explosion dispersal

  • Seeds which grow inside some pods are scattered when the pods ‘pop’ open.
    • Himalayan balsam is an example.
Shaking dispersal

Shaking dispersal

  • Seeds are shaken out of the pod when the plant is blown by the wind.
    • Poppies are an example.
Humans

Humans

  • Humans spread seeds when we farm or grow our own plants.
Jump to other topics
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Year 3: Plants

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Year 3: Animals (Including Humans)

3

Year 3: Rocks

3.1

Rocks on Earth

4

Year 3: Light

5

Year 3: Forces & Magnets

6

Year 4: Living Things & Their Habitats

7

Year 4: Animals, Including Humans

8

Year 4: States of Matter

9

Year 4: Sound

10

Year 4: Electricity

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