Question

Part a why do fleshy fruits often have seeds with very tough seed coats? view available hint(s) why do fleshy fruits often have seeds with very tough seed coats? so the seeds can be dispersed by propulsion so the seeds can survive the mechanical forces and conditions in an animal's gut so the seeds can adhere to passing animals so the seeds can extend the distance they travel by catching breezes part b

Answer 1

The correct answer is: so the seeds can survive the mechanical forces and conditions in an animal's gut. Some plants produce edible and fleshy fruit specifically so that animals will assist in seed dispersal by eating the fruit. However, this strategy would be pointless if the seeds are destroyed in the animal's gut. The seeds would have to survive the mechanical chewing action of the animal's teeth, as well as the highly corrosive environment of the animal's gut. This is why seeds of fleshy fruits tend to have tough and hard protective coats.