What are the methods of seed dispersal?

Seeds are dispersed through different methods that help plants spread to new areas and reduce competition with the parent plant.

One common method is dispersal by wind. Lightweight seeds with wings or hair-like structures, such as cotton and maple seeds, are carried by air currents.

Another method is dispersal by water. Seeds like coconut can float and travel through water bodies to different places.

Animals and birds also help in seed dispersal. Some seeds stick to animal fur, while others are eaten with fruits and later excreted at different locations.

Certain plants use explosive dispersal, where ripe fruits burst open suddenly and scatter seeds away from the plant.

These methods help plants reproduce successfully and spread across different environments.