Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow :- |
The seed of which plant germinated after an estimated record of 10,000 years of dormancy? |
Lupinus arcticus Phoenix dactylifera Orbanche Striga |
Lupinus arcticus |
The correct answer is Option (1) -Lupinus arcticus Seed is the basis of our agriculture. Dehydration and dormancy of mature seeds are crucial for storage of seeds which can be used as food throughout the year and also to raise crop in the next season.Seeds of a large number of species live for several years. Some seeds can remain alive for hundreds of years. There are several records of very old yet viable seeds. The oldest is that of a lupine, Lupinus arcticus excavated from Arctic Tundra. The seed germinated and flowered after an estimated record of 10,000 years of dormancy. A recent record of 2000 years old viable seed is of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera discovered during the archeological excavation at King Herod’s palace near the Dead Sea. |