1.4.2

Dispersing Seeds

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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.

Illustrative background for Wind dispersalIllustrative background for Wind dispersal ?? "content

Wind dispersal

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

  • ‘Helicopter’ seeds spin and ‘glide’ away.
    • Sycamore seeds are an example.
Illustrative background for Animal dispersalIllustrative background for Animal dispersal ?? "content

Animal dispersal

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

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

Illustrative background for Water dispersalIllustrative background for Water dispersal ?? "content

Water dispersal

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

  • Seeds which grow inside some pods are scattered when the pods ‘pop’ open.
    • Himalayan balsam is an example.
Illustrative background for Shaking dispersalIllustrative background for Shaking dispersal ?? "content

Shaking dispersal

  • Seeds are shaken out of the pod when the plant is blown by the wind.
    • Poppies are an example.
Illustrative background for HumansIllustrative background for Humans ?? "content

Humans

  • Humans spread seeds when we farm or grow our own plants.

Jump to other topics

1Year 3: Plants

2Year 3: Animals (Including Humans)

3Year 3: Rocks

3.1Rocks on Earth

4Year 3: Light

5Year 3: Forces & Magnets

6Year 4: Living Things & Their Habitats

7Year 4: Animals, Including Humans

8Year 4: States of Matter

9Year 4: Sound

10Year 4: Electricity

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