Question

Identify the seed that depends on wind for dispersal.

Answer 1

Hint: Seed dispersal is the spread of seed away from the mother plant. As the plants cannot spread on their own, the vectors like wind, animals, birds, and water are needed to transport seeds from one place to another. The seed dispersal by wind is known as anemochory. The seeds dispersed by the wind must be feathery and light.

Complete answer:
Anemochory is the mechanism of seed dispersal by the external abiotic vector called the wind. The seeds that are dispersed by wind should be feathery and light. They should have wing-like structures which can be easily carried by the wind. In this type of dispersal, the seeds are blown away by the wind and they spread all over the place. Example is cotton.

Let us discuss the seeds given in the question:
A) The seed is a dicot seed which has fleshy cotyledon. These types of seeds which are bigger in size are dispersed by the animals and human beings. Example Mango.
B) The seed given in the figure has a wing like structure. This structure helps the seed to be easily dispersed by the help of wind. Seeds of maple can easily be dispersed by winds.
C) The seed given in the figure consists of hooks and spines. This adaptation makes it suitable for the dispersal by the animals. The seeds can easily stick to the fur or hides of the animal and make it suitable for dispersal. Example- burdock.
D) The seed given in the figure consists of fibres. This adaptation makes it suitable to be easily dispersed by water. Example- coconut.
E) The seed given in the figure can be easily dispersed by an explosion mechanism. The fruit explodes thereby scattering the seed in the surrounding. Example poppy.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: The seed dispersal is very important for the plants. It helps in reducing the intra species competition. This increases the chances of survival of the plant species. The seeds are scattered over larger areas where they can get proper nutrients, water and light for its growth and development.