anemochory

hernesheir commented on the word anemochory

(n): the dispersal of plant diaspores or disseminules by the wind. Construction of wind-dispersed disseminules frequently involves the furnishing of the dispersal unit with tufts of hairs, parachute-like structures, or wings that function to lengthen the time that the dispersed units remain airborne, and thus increasing the probability they will be driven a distance from the parent plant. In the case of dust-seeds, like those of the majority of orchids and some other taxa, the minute size and negligible mass of the otherwise unfurnished units allows them to be blown about on slight gusts or wind currents.

January 1, 2009

vendingmachine commented on the word anemochory

Wind dispersal is one of the more primitive means of dispersal. Wind dispersal can take on one of two primary forms: seeds can float on the breeze or alternatively, they can flutter to the ground. The classic examples of these dispersal mechanisms include dandelions, which have a feathery pappus attached to their seeds and can be dispersed long distances, and maples, which have winged seeds (samara) and flutter to the ground. An important constraint on wind dispersal is the need for abundant seed production to maximise the likelihood of a seed landing in a site suitable for germination. There are also strong evolutionary constraints on this dispersal mechanism. For instance, Cody and Overton (1996) found that species in the Asteraceae on islands tended to have reduced dispersal capabilities (i.e., larger seed mass and smaller pappus) relative to the same species on the mainland. Reliance on wind dispersal is common among many weedy or ruderal species. Unusual mechanisms of wind dispersal include tumbleweeds.

August 4, 2016

vendingmachine commented on the word anemochory

Humans may disperse seeds by many various means and some surprisingly high distances have been repeatedly measured. Examples are: dispersal on human clothes, on shoes, or by cars.

August 4, 2016