The nursery Many living things use soil as a nursery. Plants, fungi, and quite a few animals get off to a healthy start underground. Seeds, spores, and most eggs are left to develop on their own. However, some soil critters are terrific parents. Plants have babies, too.
Every seed contains a plant embryo.
In other words, they need soil. The acorn fell from a nearby oak. If a squirrel does not find it first, it may germinate. Bur oaks are one of the few trees that can survive fires that sometimes sweep across tallgrass prairies. Purple prairie clover - Look for a seed that looks like a brown bell pepper wearing a crown.