How can animals contribute to the dispersal of seeds?

Animals play a significant role in the dispersal of seeds through various mechanisms. In this case, one of the primary ways is by seeds sticking to their coats and feathers. When animals move through an environment, seeds can attach themselves to their fur or feathers, allowing the seeds to be transported to new locations. This method of dispersal is particularly advantageous because it can result in seeds being carried away from the parent plant, giving them a better chance of germination in a more suitable environment.

Additionally, animals can inadvertently help in the germination process by scratching or grooming themselves, which may dislodge the seeds. This type of seed dispersal enhances genetic diversity and can facilitate the spread of plant species across various habitats.

The other options, while they mention different aspects of seed dispersal, do not accurately reflect the broader mechanisms by which animals contribute to this process. For example, seeds being carried in animals' stomachs is not a primary method of dispersal and is more about consumption than dispersal. The option regarding seeds being spread only by animal waste oversimplifies the role that animals play in the ecosystem, as it neglects other significant methods of seed dispersal, such as sticking to fur. The statement claiming that seeds are not affected by