Maple Helicopters

What are they?

The distinctive fruit are called samaras, "maple keys", "whirlybirds" or "polynoses". These seeds occur in distinctive pairs each containing one seed enclosed in a "nutlet" attached to a flattened wing of fibrous, papery tissue. They are shaped to spin as they fall and to carry the seeds a considerable distance on the wind. Children often call them "helicopters" due to the way that they spin as they fall.

(From Wikipedia)

Why do maples have flying seeds?

What would happen to maple seeds if they fell straight down?
What is it like under a maple tree?
Would seeds grow well there?
What would happen to a maple tree if its seeds did not fly well? Would it produce many seedlings?
What would happen to a maple tree if its seeds could fly better than other maples? Would it produce many seedlings?
Which trait is more likely to be passed on?

Seed Dispersal

Spreading seeds is called seed dispersal
What other kinds of seed dispersal are there?
Wind (dandelions)
Animal Stomachs (fruits)
Animal fur (burrs)
Squirrels (acorns)
Ocean waves and currents (coconuts)

Why do maple seeds fly so well?

They fly much better than expected for their size
No one figured out why until 2009...

Let's Watch

Leading Edge Vortex

The spinning seed causes turbulence, like a small sideways tornado above the wing
This reduces air pressure on top of the wing
So the seed doesn't fall as fast
Bonus word: turbulator