Nature and Animals · Topic 33 of 65

Seed Dispersal

Plants spread their seeds so new plants have room to grow. Seeds travel by wind, water, animals and even by exploding pods.

💡 Fun fact

Dandelion seeds float like tiny parachutes.

All about Seed Dispersal

Seed dispersal is the way plants spread their seeds away from the parent plant. Seeds that land far away have more room to grow and less competition for light, water and nutrients. Plants have evolved many clever ways to move their seeds.

Seeds can be carried by wind, water, animals and even by explosive pods. Dandelion seeds have feathery parachutes, coconuts float across oceans, and burrs stick to the fur of passing animals.

🎮 Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Seed Dispersal

Helping forests regrow after a fire or storm
Spreading crops such as fruit trees across new areas
Creating wildflower meadows by scattering seeds

Frequently asked questions about Seed Dispersal

Why do plants need to spread their seeds?

So that new plants do not compete with the parent for resources and can colonise new places.

How do animals help spread seeds?

Animals eat fruit and drop or pass out the seeds elsewhere, and some carry seeds stuck to their fur.

Which seed travels the furthest?

Coconuts can float across oceans and still sprout on a distant beach.