The Life Cycle
When a seed falls to the ground it starts what is often referred to as The Life Cycle. Once in the ground the seed needs water and warmth to start the next step in growth called . Germination is when the seed swells taking in water and nutrients and starts to grow. After the germination process has started the seed forms a root that will search for food and water in the soil to help the seed grow. With heat and moisture the seed starts to form its first leaves underground. The sprout needs to get those leaves to the surface to absorb more food and to grow, so the sprout pushes up as the roots grow downward. The root now forms tiny . Next the forces upwards protect the tender leaves between them. The leaves are referred to as plumage leaves. When the leaves are up out of the ground they open and start to make food for the plant from oxygen and light. This is called photosynthesis. The cotyledons are not needed any more so they wither and fall off. The leaves grow and the starts to stretch upward. This stage of growth takes quite a while in some plants. The root system grows downward and outward to provide a foundation for the growing plant. After a while a bud starts to form. Inside the bud a flower forms. The bud consists of many layers of flower parts. When they are fully formed the flower opens up and the true beauty inside is revealed and their scent is released. This attracts butterflies, bees, flies, and other insects that aid in pollination from flower to flower. Once pollinated, the seeds can ripen and be distributed by the wind and other animals eating them and thus carrying them to other places. Seeds can even explode out of the seed pods! Once the seeds are in different places, the life cycle continues once again.
