Question

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

Answer 1

Fleshy fruits have seeds with tough seed coats to survive digestion by animals, ensuring seed dispersal and successful germination in new locations. Plants utilize various adaptations to spread seeds, including mechanical protection and specialized structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fleshy fruits often have seeds with very tough seed coats because the seeds must survive the mechanical forces and harsh conditions within an animal's digestive system. When animals consume these fruits, the seeds are dispersed through the process of endozoochory. The tough seed coat protects the embryo during its journey through the gut and enables germination once excreted, often in a new, favorable location with less competition.

Plants have evolved a variety of strategies to ensure that their seeds are spread over a large area, which is vital for the continuation of the species. This includes adaptations like burrs and hooks for attachment to animal fur, known as epizoochory, and lightweight, wing-like appendages for wind dispersal. Through these mechanisms, plants can overcome the limitations of being stationary organisms unable to move their seeds themselves.