In addition to a myriad of demographic and functional properties, Seed Banks influence patterns of diversity across large spatial scales. It is possible to identify potential seed banks based on the characteristics of dormant people and the ability to aid colonization or dispersal. Genetic diversity and pattern formation can be influenced by various factors, such as migration and dormancy. Research into seed banks has led to raise our awareness of their value and the importance of conserving them.
Seed banks hold a variety seeds with different uses. Some banks hold only seeds of agricultural crops, while others store only rare species.
The seed bank may contain an array of plants, it has to be stored in the best possible way to avoid duplication and to preserve the quality of the collection for hundreds of years. Certain seeds can be stored in a conventional manner, while others need to be preserved using non-conventional methods. Although technology is growing in this sector Seed banks require local infrastructure to preserve the collection of genetic diversity.
Inactivity in the metabolism of seed banks impacts the overall population. While dormancy is a protection mechanism for people, it requires a significant metabolic expenditure to meet basal requirements, including maintenance of cellular homeostasis and repair of macromolecular damages Growshop Santiago.
This could lead to the loss of fitness as a result of the aging process. There are many factors that determine the length of time that a seed bank is in a population. These include the level of physical burial, increased predator risk, and infection by pathogens. Some seed banks are more frequent than others.
In the last 50 years the mathematical methods used to create seed banks have evolved. Initially motivated by biological observations, these developments have prompted an increase in the number of mathematical and computational approaches. The use of stochastic processes could explain complex seed-bank patterns across various scales. This theory can help predict patterns in seed-bank dormancy, and provide generalizable information.
This work has also prompted the creation of new research in the life and social sciences.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is another great example of a Seed Bank. Seed banks help conserve biodiversity and assist in replenishing important crop species in the case of disasters. Before the destruction by rebels of the Aleppo Seed Bank, the seeds were shipped to Svalbard. The seeds were then transported three thousand kilometres to Morocco and Lebanon where they will continue to conduct research.
The seeds will be used by scientists as an alternative to forest destruction.
In addition to reseeding crops, seed banks can also help protect communities from extinction. Over 600 plant species have been lost over the last 250 years and 93% of the biodiversity in food seeds has disappeared. This loss of biodiversity can have grave implications for the world's food supply. Whole crops can be destroyed by a new bacterial infection. This was the case with the Peruvian lumper potato in the 1930s. The result was the death of about one million people.
