Every great invention begins with a great idea! Read all the books in this series and learn about the history and impact of some of the most fascinating innovations and inventions of our time. Explore the idea's early stages of development, problems encountered along the way, and how each great idea has influenced our lives. In as little as 100 years from now, over half of the world's species may be extinct, including plant species. Preserving plant species is crucial for the food supply. Some plants resist disease better than others. Some can grow in cold climates, others only in the heat. The more plants the world saves, the more likely it is that people can grow food under different conditions. Scientists gather seeds from all over the world and save them in seed banks to ensure the future of plant species.

The biggest and most secure is the "Doomsday Vault" in Norway, which is protected from weather, intruders and disasters. Read The Seed Vault to learn these interesting facts and more about seed banks and vaults: Thousands of different kinds of potatoes grow in the Andes Mountains. Seed collectors are like secret agents. They travel the world, often undercover, to find and gather seeds. The very first day the "Doomsday Vault" opened, more than 100 nations sent over 100 million different types of seeds. Book jacket.