Seeds disperse in nature through various mechanisms, including:
1. Wind: Seeds are carried away by wind, often using adaptations like wings (e.g., cottonwood), parachutes (e.g., dandelion), or feathery appendages (e.g., cattails).
2. Water: Seeds are transported by rivers, oceans, or rain, often using floating devices like coconut husks or water-repellent coatings.
3. Animals: Seeds are consumed and then deposited in new locations through animal waste (endozoochory), often using attractive fruit or berries (e.g., berries eaten by birds).
4. Explosive Dehiscence: Some plants explosively release seeds when mature (e.g., touch-me-nots).
5. Gravity: Seeds fall from the parent plant due to gravity, often used by plants with heavy seeds (e.g., trees).
6. Insects: Seeds are transported by insects like ants, bees, or wasps, often using sticky secretions or specialized structures.
7. Birds: Seeds are carried on birds' feathers, beaks, or in their digestive systems, often using attractive fruit or nectar.
These dispersal mechanisms help seeds reach new habitats, increasing genetic diversity and ensuring species survival.
