Dispersal Method
Science: KS3, topic 1.2.14
Dispersal Methods and Their Effectiveness
We can investigate the different dispersal methods and their effectiveness.
Investigating dispersal methods
- You could measure the average distance that seeds travel upon dispersal.
- In this example, we will look at seeds dispersed by the wind.
- Find a seed that is dispersed by the wind.
Measuring and recording
- Release the seeds and allow them to settle.
- Record the different distances the seeds all travelled and calculate the mean.
Repeating and comparing
- Repeat the process with a different seed that is also dispersed by the wind.
- Compare your results.
Factor affecting wind dispersal
- How tall the plant is, i.e. how high the seed is released from.
- The weather on the day, whether it be dry or damp, windy or calm, hot or cold.
- How heavy the seed is.
Seed structure
- The structure of the seed.
- Does the seed have ‘wings’ or structures that make it better at travel on a breeze of air?
Test yourself on Dispersal Method
The Process of Seed Dispersal
What is not a factor that affects how far a wind-dispersed seed travels?
Two identical wind-dispersed seeds are released on the same calm day. One falls from a tall tree and the other from a short bush. Which seed is more likely to travel further in the wind?