Answer: Germination occurs only under favourable environmental conditions.
- A Seeds germinate immediately after dispersal regardless of conditions
- B Germination occurs only under favourable environmental conditions
- C Germination always requires artificial chemical treatment
- D Seeds lose viability shortly after they are formed
Correct answer: B. Germination occurs only under favourable environmental conditions
Explanation: Seed dormancy is a resting period that prevents germination until environmental conditions such as moisture, temperature, and light become favourable for seedling survival.
Geometric growth (where both daughter cells keep dividing) produces this classic S-shaped curve: a slow lag phase, a rapid exponential phase, and a levelling-off stationary phase as nutrients or space become limiting - the same fundamental pattern seen in population growth.
Concept context
Phases of plant growth, the five classical plant hormones plus newer ones, photoperiodism, vernalization, and seed dormancy.