Spores are tiny, reproductive units produced by various organisms, including fungi, plants, and bacteria. They serve as a means of reproduction and can develop into a new individual under suitable conditions. Spores are often resistant to harsh environments, allowing them to survive extreme temperatures and dryness. In fungi, spores are typically formed in specialized structures, such as mushrooms or sporangia. In plants, spores are crucial for the life cycle of non-flowering species like ferns and mosses. Unlike seeds, spores are usually single-celled and can spread easily through air or water, facilitating their distribution.