Examples of seed dispersal
Animals carry seeds away
carried by the wind
animal waste
carried by water
stuck to fur/clothes
Any others?
I can't think of any others -- other than humans deliberately taking seeds.
Yes, there are several other methods of seed dispersal. Here are a few more examples:
1. Explosive mechanisms: Some plants have specialized structures that physically eject seeds when they reach maturity. These seeds are propelled away from the parent plant and can travel a significant distance. Examples of plants with explosive seed dispersal mechanisms include touch-me-nots (Impatiens) and wild lupines (Lupinus).
2. Gravity: Certain seeds rely on gravity to disperse. When the fruits or seed pods of these plants mature and dry out, they naturally fall to the ground. Gravity ensures that the seeds are dispersed around the base of the parent plant. Examples of plants that disperse seeds through gravity include maple trees (Acer) and apple trees (Malus).
3. Ballistic dispersal: Some plants have evolved unique mechanisms to project their seeds away from the parent plant. For instance, the fruits or seed pods of witch hazel (Hamamelis) dry out and then forcefully eject their seeds into the surrounding area.
4. Floating: Seeds of various plant species have adaptations that allow them to float on water. This method of dispersal is especially common for plants that grow near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, or oceans. Examples of plants that utilize floating seed dispersal include water lilies (Nymphaea) and coconuts (Cocos nucifera).
5. Self-dispersal: Certain plants have developed structures that cause their seeds to be dispersed with the slightest touch or movement. These adaptations help the seeds to detach from the parent plant and fall nearby. One example is the squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium), which has a fruit that forcefully expels its seeds when touched.
It is worth noting that different plant species have adapted to various dispersal strategies based on their environment and evolutionary history.