Seed Banks and Their Importance

Seed banks are crucial for preserving plant genetic diversity and ensuring food security. They store seeds under optimal conditions to prevent sprouting or rotting, often at low temperatures and humidity. There are various types of seed banks, including preservationist and productivity banks, each serving different purposes such as disaster recovery and research. Seed banks help protect against natural and man-made disasters, support crop research, and enhance pest and disease resistance. They also play a vital role in combating climate change by preserving seeds that can adapt to changing conditions. Notable examples include the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and the Millennium Seed Bank.

What is the primary purpose of a seed bank?

• To sell seeds to farmers

• To provide seeds for home gardening

• To preserve plant genetic diversity

• To grow plants for research

Which of the following conditions is crucial for seed storage in seed banks?

• Direct sunlight

• High humidity

• Low humidity

• Warm temperatures

What is a key function of preservationist seed banks?

• To sell seeds to the public

• To protect seeds from disasters

• To create new plant species

• To increase seed germination rates

How do seed banks contribute to crop research?

• By providing seeds for genetic studies

• By growing plants for commercial use

• By creating new plant species

• By selling seeds to researchers

Why are seed banks important for pest and disease resistance?

• They increase plant growth speed

• They eliminate pests

• They provide a backup of healthy seeds

• They prevent diseases from spreading

How do seed banks help in adapting to climate change?

• By increasing plant growth speed

• By storing seeds that can withstand new conditions

• By reducing greenhouse gases

• By changing the climate

Where is the Svalbard Global Seed Vault located?

• Greenland

• Antarctica

• Norway

• Iceland

What is unique about the Millennium Seed Bank?

• It is located in a desert

• It is the smallest seed bank

• It only stores seeds from Europe

• It stores over 2 billion seeds

What is the main threat to crop diversity mentioned in the video?

• Insect infestations

• Lack of water

• Climate change

• Overfarming

What is the primary benefit of seed banks in terms of food security?

• They increase food prices

• They ensure a supply of diverse crops

• They eliminate the need for fertilizers

• They reduce the need for farming