Your class is studying the burrs – the seed pods – of the common burdock plant. Your lab partner notices that the burrs easily cling to clothing, as well as to each other, and that some of the spines have come loose and gotten stuck in her skin, which is somewhat painful. Based on these observations, is there a logical explanation, other than reproductive success, for why the seed might have this special structure? (a) Yes, the structure may help the seed cling to the soil so that it can take root more easily (b) yes, these structures may prevent the seeds from getting damaged or eaten by other animals (c) yes, the structures may help prevent the seeds from getting pulled from the plant by sticking to each other (d) No, they are obviously intended to attach to animals so that they can be carried and dropped elsewhere
Your class is studying the burrs – the seed pods – of the common burdock plant. Your lab partner notices that the burrs easily cling to clothing, as well as to each other, and that some of the spines have come loose and gotten stuck in her skin, which is somewhat painful. Based on these observations, is there a logical explanation, other than reproductive success, for why the seed might have this special structure?
(a) Yes, the structure may help the seed cling to the soil so that it can take root more easily
(b) yes, these structures may prevent the seeds from getting damaged or eaten by other animals
(c) yes, the structures may help prevent the seeds from getting pulled from the plant by sticking to each other
(d) No, they are obviously intended to attach to animals so that they can be carried and dropped elsewhere
Step by step
Solved in 3 steps
