ABIOTIC DISPERSAL METHODS
HYDROCHORY
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BAROCHORY
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ANEMOCHORY
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Hydrochory is the dispersal of seeds, spores, or fruits by water. Seeds, spores, and fruits can be dispersed by rain, ice, or by being directly submerged in water. Water is known for the primary dispersal of freshly deposited seeds and the secondary dispersal (remobilizing) of previously dispersed seeds. Hydrochory is common in swamp, riverine, and coastal forest species.
Seeds, spores, or fruits using this dispersal method must: (A) Be resistant to sinking. - contain hair or slime. (B) Have reduced surface tension. -small, unwettable seeds. (C) Have a low specific gravity. -increased air space & cork inside seeds. Common Tropical Hydrochory Users: (1) Coconut Palms (2) Mangrove Trees (3) Palm Trees (4) Tropical Waterlilies |
Barochory is the dispersal of seeds, spores, or fruits by gravity alone. Common in fruit, when ripe and heavy enough, gravity causes it to fall to the ground from its parent plant. Barochory is often only a primary source of dispersal and is coupled with Hydrochory or Zoochory (Animal-based dispersal), as gravity only allows for a short traveled distance.
Seeds, spores, or fruits using this dispersal method must: (A) Have a semi-hard outer shell. -prevents cracking on impact. (B) Lack obvious excess structures. -no wings, hairs, extensions. Common Tropical Barochory Users: (1) Coconut Palms (2) Yellow Passionfruit (3) Tamarind Tree |
Anemochory is the dispersal of seeds, spores, or fruit by wind. Wind can cause dispersal in two primary forms: seeds can float on a breeze, or they can simply flutter to the ground. Seeds carried by the wind are often small and light in size. Travel across great distances is common in any species relying on wind-based dispersal for germination.
Seeds, spores, or fruits using this dispersal method include: (A) Gliders. (B) Parachuters. (C) Helicopters (whirlybirds). (D) Flutter/Spinners. (E) Cottony Seeds and Fruits. (F) Ubiquitous Tumbleweeds. Common Tropical Anemochory Users: (1) Alsomitra macrocarpa (2) Quipo Trees (3) Various Legumes (4) Tropical Tumbleweeds |