Seeds And Survival Flashcards
1
Q
Give 8 reasons why evolutionary development of seeds had resulted in the success of angiosperms.
A
- dormant seeds have low metabolic rates so survive cold
- testa is chemically resistant so survives adverse conditions
- water content low so survives dry conditions
- testa physically protects the embryo
- endosperm/cotyledons provide nutrients until the seedling can photosynthesis
- seeds dispersed great distances so don’t compete
- seed dispersal allows colonisation of new habitats
- inhibitors only allow germination at certain times of year.
2
Q
What is vernalisation?
A
When seeds are broken down in very cold weather so the seed can germinate in spring.