Fertilisation, seeds, fruit and dispersal
≈ 48 minFertilisation, seeds, fruit and dispersal
After fertilisation in a flowering plant, the ovule develops into a seed containing an embryo, food store and protective coat. The ovary often develops into fruit, which can protect seeds and help dispersal. Dispersal reduces competition between seedlings and can move offspring into suitable habitats. Wind, water, animals and explosive mechanisms each fit particular seed structures, but success also depends on landing conditions, not just distance.
Work it through
A fleshy berry attracts an animal. The animal eats the fruit and later deposits intact seeds away from the parent plant. The fruit aids dispersal; the seed contains the next embryo.
Mastery target
Trace the change from ovule and ovary to seed and fruit, then connect a dispersal feature to its mechanism.
Which structure becomes a seed after fertilisation?
Name the key biological term from Fertilisation, seeds, fruit and dispersal: enter the term that best fits the explanation and visual model.
Which feature best supports wind dispersal?
Which statement corrects a common misunderstanding in Fertilisation, seeds, fruit and dispersal?