Seed

Definition

A seed is a small, embryonic plant enclosed in a protective outer covering, capable of developing into a new plant. It serves as a vital component in the reproductive cycle of plants, ensuring the continuation of the species. Seeds come in various shapes and sizes, often containing stored nutrients to support the young plant during germination and early growth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Seeds are formed after fertilization occurs, when pollen fertilizes the ovule within the ovary of a flower.
2. Seeds can be dispersed in various ways, including by wind, water, or animals, allowing plants to colonize new areas.
3. The outer seed coat protects the embryo and endosperm from environmental stresses and pathogens.
4. Different plants produce seeds with varying dormancy periods; some seeds can remain viable for years before germinating.
5. Seeds are essential for agriculture and biodiversity, as they are the basis for growing crops and maintaining ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How do seeds contribute to plant reproduction and what processes are involved in their formation?
  • Seeds are crucial for plant reproduction as they result from the fertilization process, where pollen meets ovules. After fertilization, ovules develop into seeds containing an embryo and stored nutrients. The formation of seeds allows plants to reproduce sexually, ensuring genetic diversity and adaptation to environmental changes.
• Discuss the different methods of seed dispersal and their ecological significance.
  • Seed dispersal can occur through various methods including wind, water, animals, and explosive mechanisms. Each method plays a vital role in reducing competition among parent plants and colonizing new habitats. For example, wind-dispersed seeds can travel great distances, while animal-dispersed seeds may find favorable growing conditions in new locations after being ingested and excreted.
• Evaluate the impact of seed dormancy on plant survival and ecosystem dynamics.
  • Seed dormancy is a strategy that allows seeds to survive unfavorable environmental conditions by delaying germination until circumstances are optimal. This adaptation is crucial for plant survival as it ensures that seeds will not germinate during droughts or extreme temperatures. In ecosystems, dormancy contributes to biodiversity by maintaining a seed bank that can support regrowth after disturbances such as fires or floods, ultimately influencing community structure and resilience.

Related terms

Germination: The process by which a seed develops into a new plant, requiring the right conditions such as moisture, warmth, and oxygen.

Pollination: The transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, leading to fertilization and the formation of seeds.

Endosperm: A nutrient-rich tissue within seeds that provides essential energy and nutrients to the developing embryo during germination.