The primary purpose of a seed is to facilitate the reproduction of plants. Seeds serve as the means by which many plants propagate and continue their species. Each seed contains an embryo, which can grow into a new plant, and a food supply that supports the embryo during its early stages of development. Seeds undergo a process called germination, where they absorb water and begin to grow under favorable conditions. By producing seeds, plants effectively ensure survival, genetic diversity, and the ability to colonize new environments.