Dispersing Seeds
Science: Year 3 & 4 National Curriculum, topic 1.4.2
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
- Light and fluffy seeds blow in the wind.
- Dandelion seeds are an example.
Wind dispersal 2
- ‘Helicopter’ seeds spin and ‘glide’ away.
- Sycamore seeds are an example.
Animal dispersal
- Tasty fruits are eaten by animals that then drop the seeds.
- Blackberries are an example.
Animal dispersal 2
- Squirrels and jays bury acorns to eat later.
- The forgotten acorns grow into oak trees.
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
- Seeds that grow near water can float away.
- Coconuts are an example.
Explosion dispersal
- Seeds which grow inside some pods are scattered when the pods ‘pop’ open.
- Himalayan balsam is an example.
Shaking dispersal
- Seeds are shaken out of the pod when the plant is blown by the wind.
- Poppies are an example.
Humans
- Humans spread seeds when we farm or grow our own plants.
Test yourself on Dispersing Seeds
Plants have clever ways to disperse their seeds. What's another way of saying 'disperse their seeds'?
How do squirrels help disperse acorns?
How are sticky or barbed seeds usually dispersed?
Select the correct way seeds are dispersed?
How do coconuts disperse their seeds?