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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

Published on: November 6, 2016

The evolution of seeds.

Ada Linkies¹, Kai Graeber¹, Charles Knight²

¹Botany/Plant Physiology, Institute for Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany (http://www.seedbiology.de).

The New Phytologist

|April 22, 2010

Summary

Seeds evolved as a major life-history transition for plants, enabling dormancy for long-term survival. This review explores the developmental, genetic, and evolutionary factors behind seed origins and diversification.

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Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

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A Seed Coat Bedding Assay to Genetically Explore In Vitro How the Endosperm Controls Seed Germination in Arabidopsis thaliana

A Seed Coat Bedding Assay to Genetically Explore In Vitro How the Endosperm Controls Seed Germination in Arabidopsis thaliana

Published on: November 9, 2013

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Plant Science
Developmental Biology

Background:

Seeds represent a pivotal evolutionary innovation in plant life history.
Understanding seed evolution requires integrating developmental, genetic, and ecological perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

To comprehensively review the current literature on the evolution of seeds.
To elucidate the developmental mechanisms ('how') and selective pressures ('why') driving seed evolution.
To highlight key research areas including dormancy, seed size, and early seed-like structures.

Main Methods:

Literature review synthesizing historical and recent research.
Comparative analysis of seed development and anatomy across plant groups.
Examination of genetic programs influencing seed traits.
Discussion of evolutionary hypotheses for seed advantages.

Main Results:

Seeds evolved through a series of developmental and genetic changes, incorporating dormancy for temporal dispersal.
Natural selection favored seed-bearing plants due to advantages in survival and reproduction.
Significant differences exist in seed evolution between angiosperms and gymnosperms.

Conclusions:

Seed evolution is a complex process involving morphology, genetics, and adaptive pressures.
Further research is needed to fully understand seed biology and its evolutionary trajectory.
Dormancy and seed size are critical traits shaped by evolutionary forces.