Module: | Pre-fertilization: Micro/Megasporogenesis
Q29: Consider the following statements regarding historical records of seed viability:
1. A seed of Lupinus arcticus (Arctic Lupine), excavated from the Arctic Tundra, successfully germinated after an estimated 10,000 years of dormancy.
2. A viable seed of Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) was discovered during archaeological excavations at King Herod's palace near the Dead Sea, dating back 2,000 years.
3. Despite these extreme examples, the viability of all standard agricultural angiosperm seeds is strictly limited to a maximum of one to two years.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. A viable seed of Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) was discovered during archaeological excavations at King Herod's palace near the Dead Sea, dating back 2,000 years.
3. Despite these extreme examples, the viability of all standard agricultural angiosperm seeds is strictly limited to a maximum of one to two years.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A
The correct option is A. Statements 1 and 2 represent verified botanical records and are correct, while Statement 3 is incorrect.
Seed viability, the period during which a seed retains the ability to germinate, varies enormously across species.
The two most famous historical benchmarks in the biology syllabus are the 10,000-year-old Lupinus arcticus seed from the permafrost of the Arctic Tundra, and the 2,000-year-old Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) seed named "Methuselah," recovered from the Masada fortress near the Dead Sea.
Both successfully germinated when provided suitable conditions.
Statement 3 is factually inaccurate because while some seeds lose viability in a few months (like some citrus or grass seeds), many standard agricultural seeds (like wheat, lotus, and various legumes) easily remain viable for several decades to hundreds of years under dry, cool natural conditions.
Seed viability, the period during which a seed retains the ability to germinate, varies enormously across species.
The two most famous historical benchmarks in the biology syllabus are the 10,000-year-old Lupinus arcticus seed from the permafrost of the Arctic Tundra, and the 2,000-year-old Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) seed named "Methuselah," recovered from the Masada fortress near the Dead Sea.
Both successfully germinated when provided suitable conditions.
Statement 3 is factually inaccurate because while some seeds lose viability in a few months (like some citrus or grass seeds), many standard agricultural seeds (like wheat, lotus, and various legumes) easily remain viable for several decades to hundreds of years under dry, cool natural conditions.