The shape of seeds is described by comparison with geometric models

What is it about?

Modern methods of image analysis are based on the coordinates of the points making the silhouette of an image and allow the comparison between seed shape in different species and varieties. Nevertheless, these methods miss an important reference point because they do not take into consideration the similarity of seeds with geometrical figures.

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Photo by Dawid Małecki on Unsplash

Photo by Dawid Małecki on Unsplash

Why is it important?

We propose a method based on the comparison of the bi-dimensional images of seeds with geometric figures. First, we describe six geometric figures that may be used as models for shape description and quantification and later on, we give an overview with examples of some of the types of seed morphology in angiosperms including families of horticultural plants and addressing the question of how is the distribution of seed shape in these families. The relationship between seed shape and other characteristics of plant species is discussed.