The fruit of the mistletoe, a parasitic angiosperm, is a one-seeded berry. In members of the genus Viscum, the outside of the seed is viscous (sticky), which permits the seed to adhere to surfaces such as the branches of host plants or the beaks of birds. What should be expected of the fruit if the viscosity of Viscum seeds is primarily an adaptation for dispersal rather than an adaptation for infecting host plant tissues? It should _________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the viscosity of Viscum seeds is primarily an adaptation for dispersal, it would be expected that the fruit would contain nutrients that would be beneficial to the organism(s) dispersing it, such as birds. This would increase the likelihood that the bird would consume and subsequently disperse the seed. Drab coloration, camouflage, secretion of enzymes to digest bark, or containing chemicals to cause vomiting would not directly aid in dispersal.

The Fruit of the Mistletoe, a Parasitic Angiosperm, Is a One-Seeded