Day
Alternative Title
Abstract
Spring 2024 STEM Photo Contest
Description
Dandelion flowers eventually wilt and drop and are replaced by a fluffy white seed head consisting of up to 250 seeds. In the “… and Day” photo, the seed head appears as the dark sphere in the center. In the “Night, …” photo, the seed head is less evident and appears white. Individual seeds are carried by small, downy "parachutes," or pappi, that enable them to be carried by the wind. This method of dispersal allows the seeds to travel up to several meters, and in rare cases, up to a kilometer to new territory. (Text courtesy Dr. Tracy Curtis, Biology)