A Burdock Burr Gets a Ride
Burdock burrs hook onto a deer's fur, carrying seeds to new places where they may grow.
Play the quiz as a gameA burdock plant grows along the edge of a field. It stays in one spot because its roots hold it in the ground. But its seeds can travel to new places.
The plant makes small, dry cases called burrs. Each burr holds seeds inside. Tiny hooks cover the outside. These hooks can cling, or stick, to animal fur.
A deer walks past the plant. A burr catches on its thick fur. As the deer walks across the field, the burr goes along. The seeds get a free ride!
Later, the burr may come loose and fall. It can land on soil far from the first plant. With enough water and warmth, the seeds inside may grow into new burdock plants.
A picture of this trip could have the caption, "Fur carries seeds." A caption tells about a picture. The deer carries the burr, and the burr carries the seeds.