The Dandelion's Flying Seed
Written by Studio AM.
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A dandelion seed hangs beneath a white crown of fine hairs. The crown is called a pappus. When wind pulls the seed free, the hairs spread wide.
The pappus does not flap like a bird's wing. Air moves through and around its many hairs. This creates a swirling ring of air above the hairs and slows its fall. A light seed can then stay in the air longer.
Most seeds land near the parent plant. Some meet a useful gust and travel much farther. Flying does not promise success. A seed still needs a place with light, water, and soil. The pappus simply gives the wind more time to carry it to a new place.
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Questions
Choose an answer. The explanation appears after you answer.
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Question 1 of 4
What is the main idea of the passage?
The answer is C: A dandelion’s pappus slows its falling seed, giving wind more time to carry it.
The passage explains the structure, the air effect, and the limited opportunity it creates.
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Question 2 of 4
Why can a light seed travel farther?
The answer is D: Its slow fall leaves more time for wind to move it.
The second and third paragraphs connect longer air time with wind transport.
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Question 3 of 4
What is a “pappus”?
The answer is A: the crown of fine hairs above the seed
The opening directly names the white crown of hairs as a pappus.
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Question 4 of 4
Where do most seeds land?
The answer is B: near the parent plant
The final paragraph states that most land near the parent.
Score: none answered yet.