What is meant by seed dispersal?

Seed dispersal refers to the mechanism by which seeds are spread away from the parent plant. This process is essential for the survival and reproduction of many plant species, as it helps to ensure that young plants can grow in new locations, reducing competition for resources like light, water, and nutrients with the parent plant. By being dispersed, seeds have a better chance of finding suitable conditions for germination and growth, which can contribute to the overall spread and genetic diversity of a species.

Dispersal can occur in various ways, such as through wind, water, or by animals, which can carry seeds far from where they originated. This ability to spread not only enhances the distribution of plants across different environments but also plays a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics and plant community competition.