What is a Seed?
A seed is a tiny plant that is protected by a hard outer shell. Inside the shell is a tiny embryo, which is the new plant. The embryo is surrounded by a food source, which helps it to grow.
Seeds come in all shapes and sizes. Some seeds are so small that you can barely see them, while others are as big as your hand. Seeds can be round, oval, or even shaped like stars.
Where Do Seeds Come From?
Most seeds come from flowers. When a flower is pollinated, it produces a seed. The seed is then dispersed by the wind, animals, or water.
Some seeds come from fruits. When you eat a fruit, you are also eating the seeds. The seeds pass through your digestive system and are then deposited in the ground.
What Do Seeds Do for Us?
Seeds are essential for life on Earth. They provide us with food, clothing, and shelter.
- Food: Seeds are a major source of food for humans and animals. We eat seeds from plants such as corn, wheat, rice, beans, and peas.
- Clothing: Seeds are used to make cotton, which is a natural fiber that is used to make clothes.
- Shelter: Seeds are used to make wood, which is used to build houses and other structures.
Types of Seeds
There are many different types of seeds. Some of the most common types of seeds include:
- Grain seeds: Grain seeds are the seeds of grasses. They are a major source of food for humans and animals. Some common grain seeds include corn, wheat, and rice.
- Legume seeds: Legume seeds are the seeds of legumes. Legumes are a family of plants that includes beans, peas, and lentils. Legume seeds are a good source of protein and fiber.
- Oilseeds: Oilseeds are the seeds of plants that are high in oil. Oilseeds are used to produce vegetable oil. Some common oilseeds include soybeans, canola, and sunflowers.
- Spice seeds: Spice seeds are the seeds of plants that are used to flavor food. Some common spice seeds include coriander, cumin, and fennel.
Seed Cultivation
Seeds are cultivated in a variety of ways. Some seeds are planted directly in the ground, while others are started in greenhouses or seedbeds. Seeds need the right conditions to germinate and grow. These conditions include:
- Moisture: Seeds need moisture to germinate and grow. The amount of moisture that a seed needs depends on the type of seed.
- Temperature: Seeds need the right temperature to germinate and grow. The ideal temperature for most seeds is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Light: Some seeds need light to germinate and grow, while others do not. The amount of light that a seed needs depends on the type of seed.
Conclusion
Seeds are essential for life on Earth. They provide us with food, clothing, and shelter. Seeds are also used to make a variety of other products, such as oil, spices, and medicines.
