Plant Biology
Scarification
The process of weakening or breaking a seed coat to promote germination. Can occur naturally (fire, animal digestion, weathering) or artificially.
Biological Context
Many seeds have hard coats that prevent germination until conditions are right. Fire-adapted plants require heat scarification. Some seeds need to pass through animal digestive tracts. Scarification ensures seeds don't germinate until they've dispersed from the parent plant.
Business Application
Business scarification: sometimes protective barriers must be broken before growth can occur. Regulatory changes, market disruptions, or organizational crises can scarify entrenched businesses, enabling new growth.