Why do dandelion seeds have parachutes?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Wind dispersal mechanism
For collecting moisture — Wrong. The parachute (pappus) doesn't collect moisture—it's engineered for flight! The feathery structure catches wind to carry seeds far away.
Wind dispersal mechanism ✓ — Correct! The fluffy parachute (called a pappus) is a brilliant dispersal mechanism. Each seed has ~100 fine bristles arranged to maximize drag and create vortices that keep seeds airborne longer. Wind can carry them kilometers away, reducing competition with parent plants. It's one of nature's most efficient flight systems!
Protection from insects — Wrong. The parachute is for seed dispersal by wind, not insect protection. It helps spread seeds to new locations for colonization.