David Attenborough and The largest seed in the world
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3. kirkelicious commented 8 years ago
#1 I wondered about that as well. The habitat of the plant is pretty confined and the palms reach ages of 200+ years. Perhaps the slow way of reproducing prevents a population growth that is not sustainable by the islands ecosystem and a stable population is required to prevent soil erosion. Growing huge seeds could be a method to slow things down. That's the best I can come up with. Any other ideas?
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4. thundersnow commented 8 years ago
We have a snotr use from the Seychelles ...he may know more about his nuts ...no, in all seriousness...this is a great video.
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5. drunkmonk commented 8 years ago
#3 yes! That's a good idea. Though... in that case, the trial and error part of this seed's evolution wouldn't have already eroded the soil...? though a very good idea. Than there's no wonder, why are they found only on a couple of islands....
Other ideas.. hmm.. well the fact that such a large seed stores 7 years worth of nutrients. You Could imply from that, that the soil is very deficient in nutrients... and that it takes a lot of time to get those few 'nutrients' from the soil.. for what you need an expanded root system, for what you need time and nutrients. He.. sounds valid. (kind of like, ... metaphorically, as you could say about humans vs chickens - we need time to develop our brains. Because our survival is dependent on higher mental functions, instead of, as it is with chics - on basic primitive movement and reactions to stimuli .. metaphorically)
Hmm... from that hypothesis, we could imply, as well, that in that case, those trees would have to either is some way need specific nutrients, or are the largest among other plant species.. or a reason why are they, versus all the rest of the trees - special, nutrition wise.
He he Fucking spot on -- https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn26930-the-secret-of-the-worlds-largest-seed-revealed/ <- and from this you can also induce that on the islands there aren't large animals who could endanger the seed by eating it, so it can have the privilege to grow large.
Also the article writes, that it is an obsolete evolutionary tactic, which is not widespread among plants. Which is - that the mama tree takes care of their offspring by providing shade and more fresh water.
Other ideas.. hmm.. well the fact that such a large seed stores 7 years worth of nutrients. You Could imply from that, that the soil is very deficient in nutrients... and that it takes a lot of time to get those few 'nutrients' from the soil.. for what you need an expanded root system, for what you need time and nutrients. He.. sounds valid. (kind of like, ... metaphorically, as you could say about humans vs chickens - we need time to develop our brains. Because our survival is dependent on higher mental functions, instead of, as it is with chics - on basic primitive movement and reactions to stimuli .. metaphorically)
Hmm... from that hypothesis, we could imply, as well, that in that case, those trees would have to either is some way need specific nutrients, or are the largest among other plant species.. or a reason why are they, versus all the rest of the trees - special, nutrition wise.
He he Fucking spot on -- https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn26930-the-secret-of-the-worlds-largest-seed-revealed/ <- and from this you can also induce that on the islands there aren't large animals who could endanger the seed by eating it, so it can have the privilege to grow large.
Also the article writes, that it is an obsolete evolutionary tactic, which is not widespread among plants. Which is - that the mama tree takes care of their offspring by providing shade and more fresh water.
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6. kirkelicious commented 8 years ago
#5 Nice Job!
+1 1. drunkmonk commented 8 years ago