Journal Article

The evolution of seeds

Linkies, Ada, Knight, Charles, Graeber, Kai, Leubner-Metzger, Gerhard

2010

Overview

The evolution of the seed represents a remarkable life-history transition for photosynthetic organisms. Here, we review the recent literature and historical understanding of how and why seeds evolved. Answering the ' how' question involves a detailed understanding of the developmental morphology and anatomy of seeds, as well as the genetic programs that determine seed size. We complement this with a special emphasis on the evolution of dormancy, the characteristic of seeds that allows for long ' distance' time travel. Answering the ' why' question involves proposed hypotheses of how natural selection has operated to favor the seed life-history phenomenon. The recent flurry of research describing the comparative biology of seeds is discussed. The review will be divided into sections dealing with: (1) the development and anatomy of seeds; (2) the endosperm; (3) dormancy; (4) early seed-like structures and the transition to seeds; and (5) the evolution of seed size (mass). In many cases, a special distinction is made between angiosperm and gymnosperm seeds. Finally, we make some recommendations for future research in seed biology.

• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing,Blackwell Publishing Ltd,Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subject: Anatomy / anatomy & histology / Angiospermae / Angiosperms / autotrophs / Biological Evolution / Biology / comparative seed biology / Dormancy / Embryos / Endosperm / Endosperm - growth & development / Endosperm - metabolism / endosperm and perisperm / Evolution / Genetic programs / Germination / growth & development / Gymnospermae / Gymnosperms / Life history / Literature reviews / metabolism / Morphology / Natural selection / Organ Size / Photosynthesis / Plants / Questions / seed development / seed dispersal / seed evolution / seed mass / Seed size / Seeds / Seeds - anatomy & histology / Seeds - growth & development / Tansley reviews