seeds is quite rare, but sprout directly in the plant.For example, cutting ripe pumpkin, we can observe it already germinated seeds.However, in general they do not grow where mature, but in a completely different place.What are they - ways to spread the fruits and seeds of plants?How does this happen and why?Let's find out!
What fruit
Before we consider in detail the arrangements for distributing fruit and seeds, should examine these same concepts.Indeed, without basic knowledge it will be difficult to understand the whole process and mechanism of the "journey" of seeds and fruits around the world.So, let's begin.It is no secret that the pear, plum, apple, strawberry, cherry - is the fruit of fruit trees and plants that contain the seeds.They are believed to develop from the ovaries and other parts of plants, but not all botanists agree.
Some of them believe that these fruits can be called only those that are formed solely on the ovaries, for example, cherries, plums, tomatoes, poppy, etc.The fruits, which develop from other parts of the flowers and plants, is called false.For example, strawberries generally formed overgrown receptacle.What kind of ovaries can speak here at all!As a result, the scientists decided to consider the benefits as a result of modification of all of the flower.While in the beginning of his "way of life", they still somehow can save some signs of a flower, then after ripening completely lose or greatly modify them.
How are fruits of plants
Outside each fruit is surrounded by a so-called pericarp, protects from damage and drying in maturing seeds.In turn, the pericarp is divided into succulent and dry.For example, a school could be called pericarp pulp of ripe watermelon, melon or peach.The immature pericarp is - astringent, bitter, sour, unpalatable.During this period he protects himself from untimely eating the fruit, and it is still immature seeds - from rapid deterioration.
Types fruit
To understand how spread seeds and fruits of various plants and trees, need to know that to the juicy fruit botany include:
- seeded (pumpkin, berries, apples, pomegranates);
- seeded (peach, apricot, mango, cherry, cherries, prunes).
As the name of the fetus, there is one seeded in the bone.Yet they are called drupes.But here, have their exception: for example, blackberries - a polydrupes, but is seeded fruit.
methods spread of fruits and seeds are directly dependent on their size, weight and shape.As mentioned above, the fruits are juicy and dry.Dry, in turn, are divided into open or indehiscent.For example, opened (burst) after their maturation pericarp of ripe beans, pods and poppy boxes.But, for example, the pericarp hazel is very hard and stiff.He himself was no way on earth will reveal.It has a single seed that we know: Hard.
Another type is the fruit box.Typically it has from 3 to 5 nests with seeds.When the seeds ripen, their "house" starts to burst.For example, tobacco or boxes Hypericum give cracks along their walls, then split into separate parts.At the same time, the "house" of lilies, hyacinths, tulips and cotton crack a wall, and in poplar and willow boxes generally cracking at the seams.The most famous is the box of the pod, which when ripening with a crash splits in two folds.
Do fruit berry
Yes.This is a unique fruit that has in its composition a lot of seeds, but with no bones.If the berry is ripe, then she has a juicy and fleshy pericarp (grapes, strawberries, cranberries, cranberry, blueberry).That is why, from the point of view of scientists, botanists, cherry is not a berry, and tomatoes are!This may also include citrus fruits, which are also berries:
- mandarins;
- oranges;
- lemons;
- oranges;
- grapefruit.
fact that nest with seeds disposed within the aforementioned fruit juice exotic aromatic filled.Berries can be called a fruit of the Cucurbitaceae family:
- melon;
- watermelons;
- cucumbers.
simple layman is, of course, jarring, but professional botanists have long been accustomed to the idea that formal watermelon and cucumber not only berries, but also relatives.
How does a seed inside
Distribution of fruits and seeds (2 class introduction to the biology classes of students with various methods "journey" of seeds and fruits of various plants) is impossible without the participation of the people, animals and, of course,water and wind.But to understand how such a small seed can "travel" around the world, you need a quick look at its structure.So, any seed is covered with skin.On smooth seeds visible scar formed on the places where it is separated from the seed stalk.
If you look good, then with such a scar can be seen micropolar opening called the micropyle in the scientific community.Somewhere nearby there is also the root tip.It was he who at the very first seed germination appears outside.Thick rind protects the seed from a variety of injuries and at the same time let the moisture, without interfering with the embryo germination - the main part of all seeds.It is formed only after fertilization, and usually consists of stem, root and plumule.
How to propagate the seeds of plants in nature
Well here we reach the heart.As mentioned above, the rare germinated seeds give life to new plants, since in most cases does not grow there, where they mature.Why is this happening?It's simple: to new places, they "travel" through the people, animals and most of Mother Nature!If the conditions for a new life will be quite appropriate, these seeds will germinate, but if not - will die.
- excellent way of their distribution is the cross-pollination of plants through which can form new species of flora.This is the minimum that gives life to new plants.Of course, the methods of sharing the fruits and seeds of plants are not limited to dusting.
- man Unpleasant taste or even poisonous fruits and seeds are very attractive food for birds.Thus seeds having a solid shell, are simply not able to digest in their stomachs.As a result, they, along with bird droppings (guano) are transported over long distances from their places of origin "birth".However, the role of birds in the spread of new plant life is not limited!
- Many birds, arranging itself reserves for the winter, dragged seeds and fruits of various plants in the nest.Some of them are simply lost during the flight of birds, falling to new places.For example, birds jays constantly stocking acorns, some of which is lost and grows with time.
- Still other helpers in the germination of seeds and fruits - is ants.These small but useful in the nature of being carried off to her nest in a wide variety of plant seeds, especially rich in essential oils (cornflower, celandine, lungwort, sorrel, violet).Like birds, ants lion's share of collected seeds lost in transit.By the way, this little weasel mainly grass seed is available.
How else "travel" fruits and seeds
They are mostly spread by wind.Seeds with the fly much better than the more mature fruits.But more about that later.As you know, in nature, there are the so-called "real" fruit that cling to their own animal hair, accidentally ran past, and stick to the clothing of man.For example, these are the fruits of burdock, succession, cocklebur and burdock.
where botanists especially noted Piso - a shrub or tree, native to the Pacific Islands.The fruit of this unusual plant is enclosed in a special cup, lined with rows of different sticky hairs.They allow the fruit Pisonia easily stick to any animal or object.Often in nature can be seen reptiles and small birds, completely plastered the fruits.Unfortunately, in this case, the animal can not fully move, and die.
«Journey" through the air
you know that fruits and seeds can be spread by wind, ie,through the air?For example, this occurs in the highland plains, savannas and deserts, where strong winds are constantly walking.In this case, the seeds of a scatter in different directions and over vast distances.Especially good is necessary seeds, having a flat shape and small size (bell hops, heather, broomrape, eucalyptus).
Winged seeds and fruits
will be interesting to learn how to spread by wind seeds having the so-called wings.They appeared in the plants, which grow only in open areas.These "wings" are specific hairs, which are completely covered with seeds (eg, anemone).In poplar and willow seeds are generally provided with tufts consisting of fine hairs.
have hazel, hornbeam, alder and birch fruit - nuts are small, equipped with wings.In one wing are the fruits of tulip trees, ash trees and maples.Incidentally, this is why they are turned in the fall.Spread by wind seeds and fruits sedge swollen, puzyrnika, astragalus.Curiously, these plants they travel in hot-air balloons, which are formed with the help of air bags that cover them.
Tumbleweed
Probably everyone at least once heard of such a bizarre plant.The scientific name of it - Gypsophila paniculata.In autumn, it has the ability to completely break away from its roots.Loose and spherical bushes of this plant with ripe fruits are spread by wind.Seeds from Gypsophila paniculata hidden in boxes, the teeth of which are folded into shape.This allows the seeds to fall out only during a fairly strong wind gusts, blowing them over long distances.
«Journey" on the water
not always fruits and plant seeds spread by wind.The seeds are often "travel" by streams and rivers, are carried by sea currents and torrents of rain.For example, coconut can stay afloat on the high seas for years without losing its germination.Often from the coast may break off a plot of land to grow it on the palm trees and shrubs, as well as the animals inhabiting it.These islands are beginning to drift, spreading the seeds of its trees for thousands of kilometers.
