Understanding Seed Consumption

Not all seeds are harmful, and some plants actually encourage their consumption as a strategy for seed dispersal. For example, fruit-bearing trees produce enticing fruits to attract animals, which then eat the fruit and excrete the seeds elsewhere, enhancing the plant's growth opportunities. In contrast, annual plants may protect their seeds with tough shells or harmful lectins to prevent being eaten and ensure their seeds are dropped nearby. This varying approach means that while some seeds are beneficial and even desirable, others have been designed to deter animals from consuming them.