seed dispersal botany Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/seed-dispersal Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/seed-dispersal Written by Hans Lambers Head of the School of Plant Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia. Hans Lambers Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 15, 2024 • Article History Table of Contents seed dispersal, in botany, the movement or spread of seeds away from the parent plant. Given that seeds are essentially plant embryos and thus hold the genetic material of the next generation, the successful establishment of a plant’s progeny is important to the overall survival of the species. Seed dispersal increases the odds that at least some seeds will find a suitable site for germination and growth, and it can help reduce competition between parent and offspring for resources and sunlight. The movement of seeds can facilitate the colonization of new areas and the reestablishment of a species following a ...(100 of 3089 words)

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