Final answer:
Drying seeds helps to prevent desiccation and decay, preserving their viability during dormancy periods and enabling them to germinate when conditions are favorable, which can be much later.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose behind drying seeds after they are removed from wet-seeded plants is to prevent desiccation and decay, which ensures the seeds remain viable during dormancy. This dry state can help protect the seeds from various unfavorable conditions, preserving them for future germination. Seeds must be dried to retain their ability to germinate under optimal conditions, which might occur months or even years later. Drying also aids in the dispersal process, as dry seeds are more easily spread by wind, animals, or other dispersion mechanisms, reducing competition and increasing the chances of successful propagation.