Final answer:
Good quality seeds free from live embryos have a viable embryo, nourishing endosperm, and a protective seed coat. Heirloom seed varieties maintain genetic diversity and adaptability. The adaptation of seeds allows plants to reproduce without water and survive in various conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics of good quality seeds that are free from live embryos are crucial for ensuring the success of plant growth and propagation. These seeds contain a viable embryo, endosperm, and protective seed coat that contribute to their potential to develop into a healthy plant. The embryo is the young plant itself, which develops from a zygote formed by the union of egg and sperm and is protected within the seed coat until germination. The endosperm serves as a source of nutrition for the embryo during its early stages of growth. The seed coat provides a tough covering that shields the embryo from environmental hazards, such as desiccation and mechanical damage.
In addition to these basic components, seed varieties that are non-genetically modified and have a longstanding history, often referred to as heirloom seeds, are valued for their flavor, genetic diversity, and adaptability to local conditions. These seeds are open-pollinated, ensuring that they can effectively reproduce over successive generations without losing their distinctive qualities. Heirloom seeds contribute to long-term sustainability in agriculture by maintaining diversity within crop species.
The evolutionary adaptations of seeds, including the development of pollen and seed mechanisms, have enabled seed plants to reproduce without the need for water, thus thriving on dry land. Pollen grains contain male gametes and are designed to travel vast distances to spread a plant's genetic material. The protection and nourishment that the seeds provide grant the embryo the ability to remain dormant for extended periods, awaiting favorable conditions for germination and growth. This strategic adaptation supports the prolific dispersion of plants across various environments.
Seed adaptation to land involves a combination of protective features and life cycle strategies that enhance the likelihood of plant survival and reproduction. These include wind-blown pollen, the evolution of ovules into seeds, and the development of adaptations to attract animal pollinators. As a result of these adaptations, seed-bearing plants have become dominant in many ecosystems.