Question

An example of compensated zoochory is
A.Mango
B.Apricot
C.Tomato
D.All of the above

Answer 1

Zoochory is the dispersal of plant seeds, spores, or fruits by animals. Once you know the definition of zoochory, it will be easier to answer this. Zoochory is referred to as the way of seed dispersal in plants mediated through animals i.e. animals are the carriers of seeds. It is a kind of survival mechanism that ensures continuity of the species of plants.

Complete step by step answer: Zoochory is the dispersal of plant seeds in several ways by animals. The seeds and fruits which get carried by the animals either develop structural changes so that they attract the animals or they sometimes get carried unknowingly or they stick to the animal body then are dispersed.
In compensated zoochory, the fruits have an edible pulp. The seeds are thrown away if bigger.
Eg: mango, apricot
If the seeds are smaller, then they will be eaten along with the fruits. Eg: tomato, guava, etc. The small seeds are eaten come out from the alimentary canal of animals. The seeds got dispersed when the animals move from place to place.
So, the correct option is ‘D’ i.e. all of the above.

Additional information:
Animals can disperse plant seeds in several ways. Seeds can be transported on the outside of animals by a process known as epizoochory. Seed dispersal through ingestion by animals or endozoochory is the dispersal mechanism for most tree species. Synzoochory is the dispersal of seeds which are an attractive long-term, storable food resource for animals synzoochory is mainly performed by ants and some birds.

Note: There are around 5 main modes of seed dispersal: gravity, wind, ballistic, water, and by animals.
Mango, apricot, and tomato are all examples for compensated zoochory.