The length of time seeds remain viable varies with species and conditions of storage. Low temperature storage is used in "seed banks" being established throughout the world to protect many plant species against possible extinction. This method of preservation was validated by a report of successful germination of arctic lupine seeds taken from frozen tundra soils and found to be at least 10,000 years old by radioactive carbon dating methods. The new Lupin plant was "born" 10,000 years after its mother died. Even when stored at room temperature, some seeds remain viable for fairly long periods. Mimosa seeds, discovered in the Natural History Museum in Paris, germinated after 221 years of storage. - Millet