CERTIFICATE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
CONTENTS
❖ Introduction
❖ What is a
ZoochoryMyrmeocho
OrnithochoryObservat
ion
❖ Conclusion
❖ References
 INTRODUCTION
The process of scattering of fruits and
seeds to distant places away from
their parents is called dispersal or
dissemination. It provides the new
plants better chances of obtaining
water, nutrients, light and space
thereby enabling them to have a better
start in life.

The fruits and seeds develop many devices for better

dispersal through agencies.
The principal agencies that aid in the dispersal of fruits and
seeds are wind (anemochory), water (hydrochory) and
animals including man (zoochory). Besides, some plants
show self-dispersal by explosive mechanism (autochory).
The dispersal through the agency of animals is considered
as the best and most successful method.
Dispersal of seeds and fruits is quite interesting subject of
natural phenomenon and hence the study of dispersal of
seed by various agencies has been selected for the
present project.
 WHAT IS A SEED?
A seed is the mature and fertilized ovule of a flowering
plant (angiosperm) or gymnosperm, which contains the
embryo of a new plant. Seeds are essential for plant
reproduction and propagation. They come in various
shapes, sizes, and types, but they generally consist of
three main parts:
1.Embryo: The embryo is the tiny, undeveloped plant
contained within the seed. It
includes the embryonic shoot
(plumule) and the embryonic
root (radicle), which will
develop into the above-ground
and below-ground parts of the
new plant, respectively.

2.Seed Coat: The seed coat is a protective outer covering

that surrounds the embryo. It provides physical protection
and often contains various chemical compounds that
inhibit germination until the seed is in the right
environmental conditions.
3.Endosperm: In some seeds, there is a tissue called
endosperm, which provides a source of nutrients for the
developing embryo. It may be consumed by the growing
plant as it germinates.
Seeds can remain dormant for varying periods, waiting for
favourable conditions like moisture, temperature, and light
to germinate and grow into a new plant. They are vital for
agriculture, horticulture, and the natural propagation of
plants in ecosystems. Seeds can be collected, stored, and
used for planting in gardens and farms to grow crops and
ornamental plants.
Advantages of Seeds to Angiosperms
1. Seeds have better adaptive strategies for dispersal to
new habitat.
2. It has sufficient food reserves for nourishment of
young seedlings.
3. Protection is provided to young embryo by the hard
seed coat
4. Generate new genetic recombination as it is a product
of sexual reproduction.
In summary, the most important feature of a seed is its
ability to ensure the survival and reproduction of plant
species by protecting the genetic material (embryo),
providing stored nutrients, and allowing for dormancy and
dispersal. This enables plants to adapt to various
environmental conditions and maintain their presence in
ecosystems.
 DIFFERENT TYPES OF
SEED DISPERSAL
Seed dispersal is a crucial mechanism that allows plants
to distribute their seeds over a wider range, reducing
competition with parent plants and increasing the
chances of survival for their offspring. There are several
different types of seed dispersal mechanisms, each of
which is adapted to specific environmental conditions.
Here are some of the primary types of seed dispersal:
1. Wind dispersal (Anemochory)
2. Water dispersal (Hydrochory)
3. Animal dispersal (Zoochory)
4. Ant dispersal (Myrmecochory)
5. Bird dispersal (Ornithochory)

The specific type of seed dispersal used by a particular

plant is often related to its habitat, evolutionary
adaptations, and the ecological relationships it has with
animals and environmental conditions. These strategies
help plants colonize new areas, reduce competition with
their parent plants, and increase their chances of survival
and reproduction.
1.Wind dispersal (Anemochory):
Anemochory is a method of
seed dispersal in which seeds
are carried by the wind. This
dispersal mechanism is
adapted for plants that produce
lightweight seeds with features
that enable them to be easily
lifted and transported by air
currents. Anemochory is a
common method used by many plant species and has
several key characteristics:
a. Lightweight Seeds
b. Aerodynamic
Structures
c. Parachute-like
appendages
d. Wings or samaras
e. Dormancy
Common examples of plants
that rely on anemochory for seed dispersal include
dandelions, milkweeds, maples, and many types of
grasses. These plants have evolved to take advantage of
wind currents, ensuring that their seeds are carried away
from the parent plant, increasing the chances of finding
suitable conditions for germination and growth.
2.Water dispersal (hydrochory):
Water dispersal, also known
as hydrochory, is a method
of seed dispersal in which
seeds are transported by
water. This mechanism is
adapted for plant species
that grow in or near aquatic
environments, as well as
those in regions prone to
flooding or with a high
likelihood of experiencing rain or water flow. Water
dispersal can occur through various means, and it is a
common strategy used by many plants. Here are the key
features and adaptations associated with water dispersal:
a. Floating Seeds
b. Moisture-Resistant
Seed Coats
c. Aquatic Habitats
d. Advantages of Water
Dispersal
e. Adaptations for Aquatic
Environments
Notable examples of plants that use water dispersal
include water lilies, coconuts, willows, and cattails.
3.Animal dispersal(Zoochory):
Animal dispersal, also known
as zoochory, is a method of
seed dispersal in which seeds
are carried, often
unintentionally, by animals.
This mechanism involves a
mutualistic relationship
between plants and animals,
as the animals benefit from consuming plant fruits while
aiding in the dispersion of the seeds. Animal dispersal can
take various forms, and it is a common strategy used by
many plant species. Here are the key features and
adaptations associated with animal dispersal:
a. Edible Fruits
b. Seed Protection
c. Mutualistic Relationship
d. Endozoochory
e. Epizoochory

Notable examples of plants

that use animal dispersal
include fruit-bearing trees,
such as apple and cherry trees, as well as berry-producing
shrubs like blackberries and raspberries. Additionally,
plants that rely on animals for seed dispersal may have
evolved to produce fruits with specific characteristics to
attract certain animals, leading to a mutualistic relationship
that benefits both the plant and the animal dispersers.
4.Ant dispersal (Myrmecochory):
Ant dispersal, also known as
myrmecochory, is a unique
method of seed dispersal that
involves a mutualistic
relationship between plants and
ants. This type of dispersal is
specifically adapted for plant species that have evolved to
attract ants by producing seeds with elaiosomes—fleshy,
nutritious appendages. The process of ant dispersal
typically unfolds as follows:
a. Elaiosome Production
b. Ant Attraction
c. Seed Protection
d. Seed Placement
e. Seed Germination
notable examples of plants
that use ant dispersal include
many spring ephemerals,
such as trilliums and bloodroot, as well as some violets
and various wildflowers. This unique method of seed
dispersal benefits both the plants and the ants, creating
a mutually beneficial relationship that helps plants
establish and reproduce in their natural habitats.
5.Bird dispersal (Ornithochory):
Bird dispersal, or
ornithochory, is a method
of seed dispersal in which
birds play a significant role
in transporting seeds from
one location to another.
Birds are attracted to
specific fruits or seeds, and
as they consume these fruits, they inadvertently aid in the
distribution of seeds. Bird dispersal is a common and
effective strategy used by many plant species, and it offers
several advantages. Here's how bird dispersal typically
works:
a. Fruit Production
b. Bird Attraction
c. Seed Consumption
d. Seed Dispersal
e. Protection
Notable examples of plants
that rely on bird dispersal include many fruit-bearing trees
and shrubs, such as cherries, raspberries, and
elderberries. These plants have evolved to produce fruits
that are appealing to birds, encouraging birds to consume
the fruits and disperse the seeds in the process. Bird
dispersal is an effective method for plants to increase their
chances of survival and reproduction in a variety of
habitats.
 OBSERVATION
Characteristics of some common seeds and fruits and their
mode of dispersal
S.no Plant Characteristics of Mode of
seeds/fruits dispersal
Moringa Thin, wing like expansions Anemochory
are present in seeds/fruits,
wings provide large surface
area to the wind for dispersal
Dandelion Fruit single seeded cypsela Anemochory
with a tuft of hair at upper
end. Pappus opens out like a
parachute.
Bombax Seeds have hairy outgrowth Anemochory
to provide large surface area
to the wind.
Crocus Spongy thalamus or spongy Hydrochory
mesocarp of the fruit.
Cleome Fruits are sticky and can Zoochory
stick to the body of animals.
Xanthium Fruits/seeds have barbs, Zoochory
hooks or spines to get
attached with the fur of
animals.
Loranthus Seeds are sticky, seed stick to Ornithochory
the beak of the birds.
Fiscus Fruits edible, chiefly eaten Ornithochory
by birds, seeds released
unharmed with faeces.
Crop Plant Fruits/seeds have economic Zoochory
importance.
 CONCLUSION
As, from the observation table we can see that the most
common type of seed dispersal among plants is animal
dispersal, or zoochory. This includes both endozoochory
and epizoochory. In endozoochory, animals consume
fruits, nuts, or other plant parts containing seeds, and then
the seeds are dispersed when the animals excrete them in
new locations. In epizoochory, seeds attach to the fur,
feathers, or bodies of animals and are transported to
different areas.
In conclusion, our study on seed dispersal has provided a
deeper understanding of the vital ecological process by
which plants ensure their survival and maintain
biodiversity. Through careful examination and observation,
we have uncovered several key points:
1.Diversity of Dispersal Mechanisms: We have learned
that there is a remarkable diversity of seed dispersal
mechanisms in nature. From the wind-blown seeds of
dandelions to the endozoochory facilitated by animals,
plants have evolved a myriad of strategies to scatter their
seeds far and wide.
2.Ecosystem Interdependence: Our project highlights the
intricate interdependence between plants and animals.
Zoochory, in particular, stands out as a common and
effective means of seed dispersal. It not only benefits
plants in terms of seed distribution but also contributes to
the health of ecosystems by recycling nutrients through
animal faeces.
3.Adaptation to Environments: Different plants have
adapted their seed dispersal methods to suit their specific
environments. This adaptation is crucial for the survival
and proliferation of plant species, allowing them to thrive in
diverse conditions.
4.Conservation Implications: Understanding seed
dispersal is of paramount importance for conservation
efforts. Disruptions to natural seed dispersal processes
can have significant consequences for ecosystem health
and the survival of plant species. By protecting habitats
and preserving the animals involved in these processes,
we can safeguard plant diversity and ecosystem stability.
5.Educational Value: The knowledge gained from this
project is not only important for scientists and
conservationists but also for the general public. It
underscores the importance of biodiversity and the delicate
balance within ecosystems. As stewards of the
environment, we should appreciate and protect these
natural processes.

The world of seed dispersal is a fascinating and essential

aspect of ecology. Our project has shed light on the many
facets of this process, and we hope it inspires a deeper
appreciation for the intricate web of life that relies on the
movement of seeds. As we continue to study and protect
these processes, we contribute to the preservation of our
natural world and the well-being of future generations.
 REFERENCES
1. NCERT Text book XII Biology
2. https://www.wikipedia.org/
3. https://www.britannica.com/