6.5 - Importance of Seeds for Survival

Seeds are the important structures that ensure the survival of the species. There are some specific characteristics of the seeds that enable the replant of most angiosperms.

• Enclosed by testa which is strong, hard and impermeable to water in order to protect the seeds.
• Presence of endosperm tissues or cotyledon which supply nutrients and energy for germination process.
• Contain the embryo structure which can germinate to form seedlings.
• Formation of a dormant structure that enables the seeds to be stored for a long period of time.
• Other characteristics such as light weight, spongy tissues, strong and not easily damaged are also important for the distribution of the seeds to other places and to avoid competition.