seed, type

種 is composed of 禾 (grain) and 重 (heavy, important). 禾 is a pictograph of a stalk of grain, while 重 means important. Grains were a staple food for ancient people, making their reproduction highly significant, and 種 represents their reproductive seeds. Additionally, the type or category of plants and animals is determined before their growth, so 種 also refers to the classification or type of things.