A paleobotanist finds a fossilized seed that germinated under ancient soil conditions. If the germination rate increases by 20% each year and started at 12 plants per 100 seeds, how many would germinate from 100 seeds after 3 years?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 07:36:16 +0000

Title: Paleobotanist Uncovers Ancient Seed with Remarkable Germination Potential – What 3 Years of Growth Reveals A groundbreaking discovery by a team of paleobotanists has shed new light on ancient plant resilience. Fossilized seeds, preserved for millions of years, have revealed signs of germination under prehistoric soil conditions—offering a rare glimpse into early plant evolution and ecological adaptation. Among the study’s key findings is the remarkable increase in germination rates over time, suggesting ancient seeds may have had hidden biological advantages still relevant today. The research centers on a specific fossilized seed found in sediment layers dating back to a dynamic ancient ecosystem. By analyzing germination patterns preserved in fossilized plant tissues, scientists observed a compelling trend: the germination rate increases by 20% each year—starting from an ancient baseline of 12 out of 100 seeds. This exponential growth in viability paints an encouraging picture of early plant survival strategies. ### How Germination Exponentiality Works: A Scientific Breakdown