Many seed-bearing plants depend on animals to disperse their seeds. Some seeds are carried in the digestive tracts of birds or mammals, germinating only after passing through the gut. Others have hooks or burrs that attach to fur. When the animal partners of such plants disappear from a region, the plants often persist for years as established adults but fail to spread or to regenerate as the older individuals die.
Which conclusion most logically follows from the passage?
- A
Hooks and burrs prevent seed dispersal
- B
Plant populations regenerate equally well regardless of dispersal partners
- Ccheck_circle
Plants that depend on animal dispersal can show long delays between losing their dispersers and exhibiting visible decline
- D
Animal dispersers play no measurable role in plant persistence
Explanation
Plants persisting as adults but failing to regenerate after dispersers vanish supports A. B, C, D contradict the passage.