What is a tuber?

A tuber is an underground stem that serves as a storage organ for nutrients and energy, allowing the plant to survive adverse conditions, such as winter. This specialized stem can give rise to new plants, effectively propagating the species. Tubers are important for many plants, including common examples like potatoes. When conditions are favorable, the buds on a tuber can sprout and produce shoots, leading to the growth of new plants.

The other options do not accurately describe a tuber. A tuber is not a type of seed; seeds are reproductive structures designed for dispersal and germination. While some plants have flowering parts, these are typically above ground and are meant for reproduction, which differs fundamentally from the role of a tuber. Additionally, seed dispersal methods refer to various strategies plants use to spread their seeds, which is separate from the function and formation of tubers.