The soil seed bank and aerial seed bank are reservoirs of viable seeds that persist in soil or plant canopies. The soil seed bank consists of seeds dormant in soil that can remain viable from less than 1 year to over 100 years depending on the species. It plays an important role in maintaining genetic diversity and aiding ecosystem recovery from disturbances. The aerial seed bank refers to seeds stored in plant canopies like conifer cones that may be released during fires to promote regeneration. Together these seed banks help natural restoration and conservation of biodiversity.