Final answer:
All components of a seed - the embryo, seed coat, and endosperm - contribute to the reproductive success of seed and flowering plants in terrestrial environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contribution of Seed Components to Plant Success
Seeds represent a significant evolutionary innovation for terrestrial plant survival. Each part of a seed has its own role in ensuring the success of plants on land. The embryo is an early developmental stage of a plant contained within the seed. The seed coat provides a protective barrier against environmental stresses, such as mechanical damage and desiccation. Meanwhile, the endosperm is a nutrient-rich tissue that supports the embryo as it grows and develops after germination.
When considering which part of the seed does not contribute to that success, the answer is d. They all contribute. Without the embryo, there would be no plant; without the seed coat, the embryo would be vulnerable to the environment; and without the endosperm, the embryo would lack the necessary resources to kick-start its growth when conditions become favorable.