embryonic plant enclosed in a protective coat, carrier of genetic information
contains embryo, endosperm (nutrient store), and seed coat (testa)
dormancy mechanisms: physical, chemical, thermal, light-dependent
germination triggered by water, temperature, and sometimes fire or scarification
vehicle of heredity across species generations
seed saving: farmer practice preserving crops diversity for millennia
modern seed banks (Svalbard, Vavilov) store genetic resources against extinction
open-pollinated vs hybrid vs genetically modified lineages
foundation of agriculture: who controls the seed controls the food supply
seed sovereignty is a core demand of food sovereignty