A reproductive cell capable of developing into a new organism without fertilization, typically produced by fungi, bacteria, and non-flowering plants. Spores are usually single-celled and highly resistant to environmental stress.
From Greek 'spora' meaning 'seed' or 'sowing.' The term was adopted into biology in the 19th century as microscopy revealed these tiny reproductive units that seemed to be scattered or 'sown' by various organisms.
Spores are nature's ultimate survivors, capable of remaining dormant for thousands of years until perfect conditions return! Some bacterial spores found in ancient amber have been successfully revived after 250 million years, making them the longest-lived life forms on Earth.
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