1. Endozoochory: This is the most common way animals disperse seeds. Animals eat fruits that contain seeds, and the seeds pass through their digestive system unharmed. The animal then deposits the seed in a new location through their droppings. This method of dispersal is particularly effective for seeds that need to be scarified (have their outer coating broken) to germinate. Examples include birds eating berries, squirrels burying nuts, and elephants eating fruits and dispersing the seeds in their dung.
2. Epi-zoochory: This is when seeds attach to an animal's fur or feathers and are transported to a new location. The seeds often have hooks, barbs, or sticky surfaces that help them cling to the animal. Examples include burrs attaching to a dog's fur or seeds sticking to a bird's feathers.
3. Cacheing: Some animals bury seeds or store them in hidden locations as food reserves. However, these animals often forget where they hid some of their stashes, allowing these seeds to germinate and grow. This method is especially common with squirrels and other rodents.
