Practice question

Seed habit integrates sequentially evolved innovations: microgametophyte protection within pollen wall exine, megagametophyte retention within integumented ovule, integument enclosure forming seed coat testa, embryo dormancy physiological morphological, nutritive reserves provisioning and dispersal adaptations wings fleshy arils enabling colonization. Seeds overcome spores vulnerability to desiccation ultraviolet and water requirement for fertilization. They provide reserves, protective coats imposing dormancy via abscisic acid, dispersal enabling colonization distant habitats and persistence unfavorable seasons. Flowers improve pollination efficiency via animal mutualism, fruits enhance vertebrate dispersal, leaves phototrophic, but central breakthrough remains seed encapsulating next sporophyte generation driving spermatophyte supremacy since late Paleozoic.