Here is an example of the confluence between qualitative language and
incompleter scientific knowledge. The problem is with our language
and limited direct experience with all the bizzare adaptations of
life forms. The range of properties we expect of "living" material is
expanding at a mindboggling rate with new research.. As we explore
more of the environmental extremes on earth. we continue to find life
existing in conditions which we thought impossible only a few years
ago. I strongly suspect we will find life forms in other locations
throughout the universe within a relatively short time period.

One of the bizarre aspects of certain life forms is the ability to
suspend metabolism when conditions dictate. It is a property which
has been documented many times over. We ought not to be so shocked
by the facts or limited in our ability to intregrate the knowledge.

Here is one report of radiocarbon dated seed about 3000 years old
being germinated.

http://askabiologist.asu.edu/researc...seeds_old.html

Another study of loongevity of seeds

http://newsbulletin.msu.edu/july27/beal.html

Accidental find....
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scite...ard020314.html

The oldest seed to germinate has not been found yet and the question
is still open to future investigation because finding these old seeds
to test is accidental.. .

Aaron






On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 01:21:43 GMT, "Miss Chanandler Bong"
wrote:

Are seeds alive or not? Seeds have been
found in the desert and that are 4000 years
old, but when put in moist soil, they grow.

So where does the life come from? Is it generated
when conditions are right? Or was the seed alive
but dormant? Do the conditions make life? Can't
find answers - I don't think anyone knows.