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Grades K–2 · Organisms

How does a dandelion’s fluffy parachute slow its fall?

A dandelion sends off tiny seed units with white fluff above them. Each fluffy top is made of many thin bristles. The seed hangs below on a little stalk.

O45 visual explanationAir pushes against the fluffy seed unit as it falls, slowing its fall. Wind carries it toward the right. Its bristles form an open parachute; the seed does not flap wings.Fine bristles slow a falling seed unit▸ BristlesSeed inside fruitFallAir pushes upMoving airThe bristles form a light, open parachute.

In the diagramFine bristles slow a falling seed unit▸ BristlesSeed inside fruitFallAir pushes upMoving airThe bristles form a light, open parachute.

The bristles slow the seed unit’s fall. Wind can carry it sideways at the same time.

As the seed unit falls, air moves through and around the bristles. The air pushes against the fall and slows it down. The fluffy top acts like a tiny parachute, even though it has many gaps.

Wind can also carry the seed sideways while it falls. The seed does not flap wings or use an engine. Moving air helps spread it away from the parent plant.

About this explanation

Starting knowledge: Recognizes wind as moving air and understands that small objects can fall.

Sources

  • Cummins and colleagues, University of Edinburgh — A separated vortex ring underlies the flight of the dandelion
  • University of Edinburgh — Dandelion seeds reveal newly discovered form of natural flight
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