Preserving Plant Diversity with Seed Banks

The video discusses the role of seed banks in preserving plant genetic diversity. It highlights the Millennium Seed Bank at Kew Gardens, which collects seeds from the British Isles and dry lands globally. The video explains seed preservation techniques, including storage at low temperatures, and debunks myths about ancient seed viability. It also covers the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a doomsday seed bank in Norway, which stores seeds in permafrost to prevent loss due to catastrophes. The importance of seed banks in safeguarding plant stocks and genetic diversity is emphasized.

What is the primary goal of Britain's Millennium Seed Bank?

• To research ancient plant species

• To collect seeds from tropical rainforests

• To preserve seeds from the British Isles and dry lands worldwide

• To store seeds from endangered animal species

Why is it important to periodically germinate stored seeds?

• To make them resistant to pests

• To increase their nutritional value

• To change their genetic structure

• To ensure they remain viable over time

What is a common misconception about ancient wheat seeds found in pyramids?

• They are still viable after thousands of years

• They are larger than modern seeds

• They are resistant to all diseases

• They can grow into modern wheat plants

Where is the Svalbard Global Seed Bank located?

• On the island of Madagascar

• On the Norwegian Archipelago of Svalbard

• In the Sahara Desert

• In the Amazon Rainforest

What unique feature does the Svalbard Global Seed Bank offer?

• It only stores seeds from Norway

• It uses natural refrigeration from permafrost

• It is located in a tropical climate

• It charges a fee for storing seeds