Scatter by sticking

Scatter by sticking is a process by which seeds are dispersed by sticking onto animals, humans, or any other moving objects. This is a common method of seed dispersal used by many plants.

How it works

When the seeds of a plant are mature, they are released from the parent plant. These seeds have hooks or spines on them that allow them to stick to the fur or clothing of animals passing by. As the animal moves, the seeds are carried along with it. Eventually, the animal will brush against a tree or other object, and the seeds will dislodge and fall to the ground. This is how the seeds are scattered and distributed throughout the environment.

Advantages of scatter by sticking

The scatter by sticking method of seed dispersal has several advantages for plants. These include:

- Increased dispersal distance: By hitching a ride on an animal, a seed can travel much farther than it would if it simply fell to the ground.
- Protection from predators: Seeds that are carried away from the parent plant are less likely to be eaten by predators, as they are not concentrated in one area.
- Colonization of new areas: Scatter by sticking allows plants to colonize new areas that may be difficult to reach by other means.

Examples of plants that use scatter by sticking

Many plants use scatter by sticking as a method of seed dispersal. Some examples include:

- Burdock: The burdock plant produces seeds with hooked spines that stick to the fur of animals passing by.
- Cocklebur: The cocklebur plant produces seeds with prickly spines that stick to the fur of animals.
- Bur marigold: The bur marigold plant produces seeds with barbed spines that stick to the fur of passing animals.

Overall, scatter by sticking is an effective method of seed dispersal that allows plants to colonize new areas and protect their offspring from predators.

These type of seeds gets sticked to the fur of animals and gets sacttered. These are then spread in new places where they get germinated. As mentioned above, these seeds are given a special name called Burrs. In this way, they stick on the furs and gets scattered.