Advantages and disadvantages of reproduction by seed

Advantages of reproduction by seed

1. The plant is independent of water for sexual reproduction and therefore better adapted for land environment.
2. The seed protects the embryo
3. The seed contains food for embryo either in cotyledon or in endosperm
4. The seed is adapted for dispersal
5. The seed remain dormant and survive adverse condition
6. The seed as a product of sexual reproduction has advantages genetic variation

Disadvantages of reproduction by seeds

1. Seeds are relatively large structure because of extensive food reserves which makes dispersal more difficult than spores
2. Seeds are often eaten by animals for their food reserves.
3. There is reliance on external agent such as wind, insects and water for pollination which is a risk
4. There is large wastage of seed because the chances of survival of a given seed are limited
5. The food supply in a seed is limited as compared to vegetative reproduction
6. Two individuals are required in dioecious species making the process risky than reproduction in which only one parent is involved.

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Dr. Bbosa Science