Reproduction and Seeds

1. Reproduction and Seeds Part 6

2. Reproduction • Some plants reproduce asexually – budding • Some plants reproduce sexually – egg and sperm • Do plants have sex? NO!!! • They use egg and sperm though

3. Process • Pollen is transferred (by wind, animals, etc.) to the flower • The pollen sticks to the stigma of the pistil and moves down the style until it reaches the ovary • In the ovary the pollen (plant sperm) fertilizes an egg • The egg becomes the “baby plant” • The ovary becomes the fruit that surrounds the “baby plant” and gives it food

4. Process

5. Process continued • If this seed is in a fruit, it can be eaten and the seeds dispersed • If this seed is not in a fruit, it has to be dispersed other ways

6. Seed Dispersal • Seeds must be dispersed somehow • Types of dispersal • Wind • Water • Animal fur • Animal eating

7. Wind Dispersal • These plants don’t have large petals to block the wind – they want the wind • The seeds are very light and can be carried easily • Ex: dandelion, maple tree seeds

8. Water Dispersal • Some plant seeds are able to float • They can travel on currents and be carried far away • Once they land they can open up and release their seeds • Ex: coconut

9. Animal Fur • Some seeds have hooks and barbs • When an animal passes by they hook into the fur and are carried away • Ex: burdocks

10. Animal eating • Some seeds are surrounded by fruits • The animals eat the fruit • Digest the fruit • Release the fruit (haha) • The seeds are dispersed • Ex: apples