Seed Dispersal by Animals

Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are spread or carried away from the parent plant to a new location. One of the most common ways that seeds are dispersed is by animals. Here are some ways in which animals help in seed dispersal:

1. External Dispersers

Some animals help to disperse seeds by carrying them externally. These animals include:

- Mammals: Some mammals, like squirrels, chipmunks, and mice, carry seeds in their cheek pouches or bury them for later use. This helps to disperse the seeds away from the parent plant.
- Birds: Some birds, like jays and woodpeckers, store seeds in crevices or tree bark. When they forget about them or die, the seeds can grow into new plants.

2. Endozoochory

Endozoochory is the process by which seeds are dispersed after being consumed by animals. The seeds pass through the animal's digestive system and are excreted in their feces. This helps to disperse seeds away from the parent plant and into new areas. Some animals that are involved in endozoochory include:

- Birds: Many birds eat fruits and berries and then excrete the seeds in their feces. This helps to disperse the seeds to new areas.
- Mammals: Some mammals, like bears and deer, eat fruits and berries and then excrete the seeds in their feces. This helps to disperse the seeds to new areas.

3. Adhesion

Some seeds are dispersed by sticking to the fur or feathers of animals. This helps to disperse the seeds away from the parent plant and into new areas. Some animals that are involved in adhesion include:

- Mammals: Some seeds, like those of burdock and cocklebur, have hooks or spines that can attach to the fur of animals. This helps to disperse the seeds to new areas.
- Birds: Some seeds, like those of mistletoe, have a sticky coating that can attach to the feathers of birds. This helps to disperse the seeds to new areas.

Conclusion

Seed dispersal by animals is an important process that helps to ensure the survival and growth of plants. By dispersing seeds away from the parent plant, animals help to increase the genetic diversity of plant populations and create new habitats for other organisms.