epizoochori

Epizoochori is a fascinating mode of seed dispersal where seeds are transported externally by animals. The word itself derives from Greek roots: "epi" meaning on, "zoo" meaning animal, and "chori" meaning dispersal. This contrasts with endozoochory, where seeds are ingested and dispersed internally through an animal's digestive tract.

In epizoochory, seeds attach themselves to the exterior of animals. This attachment can occur through various mechanisms. Some seeds possess hooks, barbs, or sticky substances that readily adhere to the fur, feathers, or skin of passing animals. For example, burdock seeds are well-known for their hooked structures that cling to animal coats, facilitating their widespread dispersal. Other seeds might be covered in a mucilaginous coating that becomes sticky when wet, allowing them to stick to the wet hides of mammals or the feet of birds.

The effectiveness of epizoochory depends on the seed's ability to maintain its hold on the animal during locomotion and the subsequent detachment in a suitable location for germination. The animal acts as a passive carrier, unaware of its role in plant reproduction. This dispersal strategy is particularly common in environments where animals frequently move through dense vegetation, increasing the likelihood of contact with seeds. Epizoochory plays a vital role in the gene flow and colonization of new habitats for many plant species, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.