A seed is a biological structure found in flowering plants and other gymnosperms, serving as the primary means of genetic dispersal. Its structure typically consists of an embryo, which is a miniature, dormant plant, along with nutritive tissue (often stored in cotyledons) and a protective outer coat. The existence of this specialized dormancy allows the seed to survive harsh environmental conditions until conditions—such as appropriate temperature, moisture, or light exposure—are met for germination. From a physiological standpoint, the seed represents a highly optimized package for propagation, ensuring that the genetic material and the potential for life are transported away from the parent plant to colonize new substrates.