What is the Difference Between Zoochory and Anemochory?

The main difference between zoochory and anemochory lies in the agents responsible for seed dispersal.

Zoochory is the dispersal of seeds, spores, and fruits by animals. It occurs in fleshy fruits and nuts, and the seeds often have hooks to adhere to animals. There are three main types of zoochory:

1. Endozoochory: seed dispersal by animal ingestion and defecation.
2. Synzoochory: dispersal of diaspores by the mouthparts of animals.
3. Epizoochory: accidental dispersal by animals.

Anemochory, on the other hand, is the dispersal of seeds, spores, and fruits by wind. Anemochory seeds are very small and light, often having wings, hairs, or plumes to facilitate dispersal.

In summary, zoochory involves animal-mediated seed dispersal, while anemochory involves wind-mediated seed dispersal. Animals carry seeds at greater distances from the parent plant compared to wind, which is an important factor in the evolution and distribution of plant species.

Comparative Table: Zoochory vs Anemochory

Here is a table comparing the main differences between zoochory and anemochory:

In summary, zoochory involves the dispersal of seeds, spores, and fruits by animals, while anemochory involves the dispersal of these items by wind. Zoochory typically occurs in fleshy fruits and nuts, while anemochory occurs in very small and light seeds with wings, hairs, or plumes. Animals carry seeds at greater distances from the parent plant compared to wind.