Spore

Spores are diaspores (dispersal units) of fungi and some plants, but they also can be dormant resting stages in the life cycles of some animals and bacteria. Spores can be formed sexually or asexually, and organisms may form many different kinds of spores.

The chief difference between spores and seeds is that spores have less resources than seeds, and thus require better conditions to germinate. In compensation, spores are often very hardy, and can survive many years in dry climates.

Spores are less subject to animal predation than seeds because they contain no food, however they are more subject to fungal and bacterial predation.

Their chief advantage is that of all forms of progeny, they require the least energy and materials to produce.

See also sporangium.