TED: Why we're storing billions of seeds | Jonathan Drori

The video emphasizes the critical role of plants in sustaining life and the threats they face from climate change and human activities. It introduces a global seed bank project aimed at preserving plant species by storing seeds. The project involves international collaboration and employs advanced techniques to ensure seed viability for future generations. The video highlights the project's achievements and outlines future goals, including expanding the collection and improving seed viability testing.

Why are plants considered essential for human life?

• They are only important for agriculture.

• They are used in technology.

• They are a source of entertainment.

• They provide oxygen and food.

What is the primary goal of the seed bank project?

• To create new plant species.

• To sell seeds for profit.

• To replace all plants with artificial ones.

• To store seeds of threatened species.

How are seeds prepared for long-term storage?

• They are dried and stored at low temperatures.

• They are frozen at high temperatures.

• They are kept in sunlight.

• They are planted immediately.

What is the significance of germination tests in seed banking?

• To increase the size of seeds.

• To change the color of seeds.

• To make seeds more resistant to pests.

• To ensure seeds are still viable.

How many plant species are currently stored in the seed bank?

• 10,000 species

• 24,000 species

• 50,000 species

• 100,000 species

What is one of the future research goals for the seed bank project?

• To find genetic markers for seed viability.

• To eliminate the need for seeds.

• To create artificial seeds.

• To stop all seed storage activities.

What is the average cost per species for the seed bank project?

• $1,000

• $2,800

• $5,000

• $10,000