What adaptations should one expect of the seed coats of angiosperm species whose seeds are dispersed by frugivorous (fruit-eating)animals,as opposed to angiosperm species whose seeds are dispersed by other means?
1)The exterior of the seed coat should have barbs or hooks.
2)The seed coat should contain secondary compounds that irritate the lining of the animal's mouth.
3)The seed coat should be able to withstand low pH environments.
4)The seed coat,upon its complete digestion,should provide vitamins or nutrients to animals.
5)The seed coat should be resistant to the animals' digestive enzymes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The seed coat of angiosperms dispersed by frugivorous animals should be resistant to the animals' digestive enzymes to survive digestion and be able to germinate. They do not need barbs or hooks as the fruit is already an attractant for animals. Secondary compounds in the seed coat that irritate the mouth lining are more likely to deter animals from eating them. The seed coat does not need to withstand low pH environments as it will already be broken down during digestion. Providing vitamins or nutrients to animals is not necessary for seed dispersal, as the primary goal is to distribute the seeds away from the parent plant.

What Adaptations Should One Expect of the Seed Coats of Angiosperm