🔬general biology i review

key term - Seeds

Definition

Seeds are the reproductive structures produced by flowering plants and some gymnosperms, containing the embryo and a food supply, all encased within a protective seed coat. They play a crucial role in the life cycle of plants, facilitating reproduction and dispersal, and are key to the evolution of plant life on Earth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Seeds can remain dormant for long periods, allowing them to survive unfavorable conditions until environmental factors are right for germination.
  2. The outer seed coat protects the embryo from physical damage and desiccation, playing a crucial role in seed survival during harsh conditions.
  3. Seeds come in various sizes and shapes, which can influence their dispersal methods, such as wind, water, or animal movement.
  4. In addition to the embryo, seeds contain a nutrient-rich endosperm or cotyledons that provide energy for the young plant during early growth.
  5. Seeds are essential for agriculture and food production, providing a source for crops that sustain human populations and livestock.

Review Questions

  • How do seeds contribute to the reproductive success and survival of plants?
    • Seeds contribute to reproductive success by allowing plants to produce offspring that can be dispersed over long distances. This dispersal minimizes competition among parent and offspring plants for resources. Additionally, seeds enable plants to survive unfavorable conditions through dormancy until conditions are optimal for germination, enhancing their chances of survival and reproduction.
  • Compare and contrast the seed structures found in angiosperms and gymnosperms and their implications for plant evolution.
    • Angiosperms produce seeds enclosed within fruits, offering additional protection and aiding in dispersal through animals. In contrast, gymnosperms have naked seeds exposed on cones, limiting their dispersal options. These differences reflect adaptive strategies that have allowed angiosperms to become more diverse and widespread, while gymnosperms still play important ecological roles in certain environments.
  • Evaluate the significance of seeds in ecological systems and their impact on biodiversity.
    • Seeds are vital to ecological systems as they facilitate plant reproduction, which is foundational for food webs. They contribute to habitat diversity by enabling various plant species to thrive in different environments. The ability of seeds to adapt their dispersal strategies and dormancy periods has significant implications for biodiversity; this adaptability allows for resilience against changing environmental conditions, ensuring that ecosystems can maintain stability and diversity over time.