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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the viscosity of Viscum seeds is an adaptation for dispersal, it implies that the seeds rely on animals (like birds) to be moved from one place to another. Making the fruit nutritious would encourage animals to eat the fruit and subsequently disperse the seeds, which aligns with the strategy of using animals for seed dispersal.

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