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 pHs.
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.
A) 4 only
B) 1 and 2
C) 3 and 5
D) 3, 4, and 5

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Angiosperm species whose seeds are dispersed by frugivorous animals have adaptations in their seed coats to withstand the low pH acid of the animal's digestive system. Therefore, the seed coat should contain compounds that are resistant to the animals' digestive enzymes. However, the seed coat should not irritate the lining of the animal's mouth or have barbs or hooks that could potentially harm the animal. Instead, in some cases, the seed coat may provide vitamins or nutrients to the animal upon complete digestion.

What Adaptations Should One Expect of the Seed Coats of Angiosperm