Preserving Lebanese Seeds: Adding Rare Iris to Britain's Millennium Seed Bank

The video discusses the efforts of Britain's Millennium Seed Bank in preserving rare plant species. It highlights the process of collecting, drying, and freezing seeds, with a focus on a recent batch from Lebanon that includes a rare iris. The challenges faced by seed hunters in Lebanon are noted, along with the importance of preserving genetic diversity. The video concludes with the bank's goal to collect 10% of the world's seeds by 2010.

What is the primary purpose of the Millennium Seed Bank?

• To sell rare seeds to collectors

• To preserve rare seed specimens for future generations

• To create a botanical garden

• To conduct genetic experiments

What process do seeds undergo before being stored in the seed bank?

• They are exposed to sunlight

• They are dried, separated, and checked for quality

• They are planted in a garden

• They are immediately frozen

What was a significant challenge faced by seed hunters in Lebanon?

• Finding the right location for the rare iris

• Dealing with extreme weather conditions

• Transporting seeds to the bank

• Convincing locals to help

Why is preserving rare species considered vital?

• To increase plant sales

• To maintain genetic diversity

• To reduce global warming

• To create new plant species

What is the target for the Millennium Seed Bank by 2010?

• To collect seeds from every country

• To open a new seed bank

• To preserve 10% of the world's seeds

• To double the number of stored seeds