The evolutionary importance of the seed is related to the plant capability of distant colonization and to the protection of the embryo. Embryocontaining seeds can be carried by water, wind and animals and germinate in different environments. This fact contributes to the exploration of a variety of ecological niches and for the diversity of plant species.

Seeds in addition protect the plant embryo against external aggressions and they also provide germination under more adequate conditions (inside the seed). These features contribute to the evolutionary success of the phanerogam.