Triumph of Seeds

The Triumph of Seeds: How Grains, Nuts, Kernels, Pulses & Pips Conquered the Plant Kingdom and Shaped Human History by Thor Hanson

Seeds are key to survival and propagation of life, yet they are not well understood. Seeds are "living", but capable of long periods of dormancy. Seeds have successfully sprouted after hundreds or even thousands of years. They often have internal mechanisms to come out when the time is right. They may need just the right moisture or sunlight or other factors. Some need fire to kill off the competition before they sprout.

Seeds are also adapted to their environment. A rainforest seed may need to sprout as soon as possible to outgrow the competition. Other seeds may needs adopt mechanisms to be spread further. Dandelion seeds float. Many seeds are attractive to animals. Some travel through animal digestive systems. Nuts are just hard enough to extract. Animals will carry them away to other locations to eat. Some of these seeds will not be consumed and will be the source of new plants. 

Seed banks store seeds for future use. We have highly protected climate controlled banks set up in various parts of the world. The soil also holds natural seed banks. Soil often holds many seeds waiting for the right time to come out. With diverse crops, many farms previously had a hidden "bank" of many seeds. These would often be traded with others. Today with industrial monoculture, the fortified seed banks often play the role of banking, with seed traders occupying a niche.