Book 17, Question 73
How Do Canopy Animals Know Which Tree Is Fruiting?
Canopy animals find fruiting trees using their eyes, their noses, and their memories! A ripe tree sends out clear signals. Smart animals remember where the best trees are and follow other animals to the feast.
More fun facts
- At any time, some canopy trees are likely to be blooming or fruiting.
- Birds, monkeys and other animals follow this moving feast.
- The air in the canopy is very still, so most canopy plants rely on animals, not wind, to spread their seeds.
- Tropical fruits like mangos and papayas are rewards trees offer animals for spreading seeds.
- Some monkeys use their gripping tails to free their hands for picking fruit.
Sources: Smithsonian, Smithsonian
Questions kids ask
Why do canopy plants need animals to spread seeds?
The air in the canopy is very still, so wind can't carry seeds well.