structural:summarization, stylistic:style_transfer
Dispersal and offspring care

One of the outcomes of plant reproduction is the generation of seeds, spores, gemmae and other vegetative organs that allow plants to move to new locations or new habitats.

Plants do not have nervous systems or any will for their actions. Even so, scientists are able to observe mechanisms that help their offspring thrive as they grow. All organisms have mechanisms to increase survival in offspring.

Offspring care is observed in the Mammillaria hernandezii, a small cactus found in Mexico. A cactus is a type of succulent, meaning it retains water when it is available for future droughts. M. hernandezii also stores a portion of its seeds in its stem, and releases the rest to grow. This can be advantageous for many reasons. By delaying the release of some of its seeds, the cactus can protect these from potential threats from insects, herbivores, or mold caused by micro-organisms. A study found that the presence of adequate water in the environment causes M. Hernandezii to release more seeds to allow for germination. The plant was able to perceive a water potential gradient in the surroundings, and act by giving its seeds a better chance in this preferable environment. This evolutionary strategy gives a better potential outcome for seed germination

Similar reproductive strategies are found in both mammals and plants. One difference between the two is that, in harsh environmental conditions, mammals produce fewer and larger offspring, whereas plants produce more seeds.