Question

Why might the dispersal of seeds far from the parent plant be advantageous for the survival of the offspring?

Answer 1

The major pros to plants is that dispersal of seeds make sure that there is less competition for light (sun), water and minerals between the parent plant and the offspring.

There are various kind of seed dispersal system:

1) There are seeds that are dispersed by the wind like dandelions.

2) Then there are seeds that are consumed by animals like fruits having seeds. For example, strawberry, blueberries which are dispersed by birds also. The animal's waste is used as natural fertilizer. Some seeds covers are so tough that they face difficulty to germinate unless they have met any an animal.

3) Various Seeds are dispersed by water when the seed flows into any water body and is taken away from the parent plant. For example, coconut.

Answer 2

The dispersal of seeds far from the parent plant can be advantageous for the survival of the offspring in several ways.

Firstly, dispersal helps to reduce competition between the parent plant and its offspring. When seeds are dispersed far from the parent plant, the offspring are more likely to encounter a new area with fewer competing plants and resources, allowing them to establish themselves and grow without having to compete with their parent plant for resources.

Secondly, dispersal can help to spread the population of the plant species, which increases the chances of survival of the species as a whole. By spreading their offspring over a wider area, plants can increase their chances of finding suitable habitats that can support the growth and survival of their offspring.

Thirdly, dispersal can help to protect the offspring from pests and diseases. When seeds are dispersed far from the parent plant, they are less likely to be affected by pests and diseases that may be specific to the area where the parent plant is located. This increases the chances of survival of the offspring and reduces the likelihood of the entire population being wiped out by a local pest or disease outbreak.

Finally, dispersal can also help to improve genetic diversity within the plant population. When seeds are dispersed over a wide area, they are more likely to encounter different environmental conditions and genetic traits that may be advantageous for their survival. This can lead to the development of new variations and adaptations within the plant population, which can increase its overall resilience and ability to survive in changing environments.

Overall, the dispersal of seeds far from the parent plant can provide numerous advantages for the survival of the offspring, including reducing competition, spreading the population, protecting against pests and diseases, and increasing genetic diversity.

Step-by-step explanation: