Question

although it is costly to produce fruit, the large number of fruit-producing plant species attests to its success as an evolutionary adaptation. in what way is fruit production helpful to plants?

Answer 1

Fruit production aids in seed protection and dispersal, enhancing plant species survival and propagation. The coevolution between plants and animals led to specialized features in fruits that promote seed dispersal, increasing the spread and success of plant species.

Step-by-step explanation:

Fruit production is helpful to plants as it aids in the protection of the developing embryo and serves as an agent of dispersal. By attracting animals through nutritious contents, plants facilitate the movement of their seeds to new locations which is essential for species survival and propagation. The evolution of fruiting by angiosperms has been a successful adaptation because it capitalizes on the behavior of animals, ensuring wider seed distribution and reducing parent-offspring competition for resources.

The relationship between plants and animals has coevolved over millions of years, leading to the creation of specialized structures and compounds within fruits that encourage animals to consume them and inadvertently aid in seed dispersal. This relationship significantly enhances the chances of seedling recruitment, as most seeds that fall directly under the parent plant are less likely to survive due to factors like predation and disease. Therefore, the ability to produce fruit with seeds that are easily dispersed by animals has proven to be an invaluable strategy for many plant species, allowing them to thrive and remain biodiverse.