Seeds And Survival

Question 1

Give 8 reasons why evolutionary development of seeds had resulted in the success of angiosperms.

Answer 1

• 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.

Question 2

What is vernalisation?

Answer 2

When seeds are broken down in very cold weather so the seed can germinate in spring.