Question

This is an example of a very old viable seed excavated from the Arctic Tundra. The seed germinated and flowered after an estimated record of 10,000 years of dormancy. It is?
A) Victoria
B) Lupinus arcticus
C) Phoenix dactylifera
D) Strobilanthus kunthiana

Answer 1

Hint:A seed is said to be viable which can still germinate when it is provided with suitable conditions. The viability of seeds varies according to the seeds taken such as the viability of corn seeds is 2 years, the carrot seeds are 3 years, eggplant is 4 years, etc.

Complete answer:
The viability of seeds is usually around 4-5 years but in some extreme cases, seeds remain viable even after hundreds of years. Seeds are present in a dormant condition until suitable conditions like water and sunlight are provided to the seed after which its metabolism increases resulting in germination. An example of a very old viable seed that was excavated from the Arctic Tundra and germinated and flowered after an estimated record of 10,000 years is Lupinus arcticus. It is a type of lupine and is an example of a very old viable seed.

Additional information:
After fertilization, the ovary develops into fruits and ovules become seeds. A seed consists of a seed coat that is formed by the integuments of ovules, cotyledons that become thick and swollen due to the storage of food, and an embryo axis.

A seed is classified as an albuminous and non-albuminous seed based on whether there is residual endosperm present after the complete development of the embryo. Albuminous seeds show the presence of residual endosperm as seen in wheat, maize, castor whereas non-albuminous seeds do not have any residual endosperm as seen in pea and groundnut.

There is a small pore present in the seed coat formed by the micropyle. This pore allows the exchange of gases and the entry of water during seed germination. The hard seed coat is broken by the seed by imbibition of water thus resulting in high turgor pressure.

Hence, the correct answer is option ‘B’ i.e, ‘Lupinus arcticus’.

Note:
-The plant Strobilanthes kunthiana also known as neelakurinji flowers once every 12 years.
-A 2000 years old viable seed of the plant Phoenix dactylifera which is a kind of date palm was discovered during the archaeological explanation of King Herod’s palace.
-Seeds provide several advantages to angiosperms as they have better adaptive strategies to new habitats.