- A Mainly prolonged dry storage conditions maintained for several full months prior to sowing the seed in most textbook accounts
- B Hard seed coat (physical), presence of germination inhibitors (chemical), requirement for cold stratification, or light requirement
- C Exposure to consistently high ambient temperature mainly, with few other environmental cues involved during normal conditions
- D A substantial lack of available oxygen occurring within the surrounding seed coat tissue over time as generally observed in typical laboratory settings
Correct answer: B. Hard seed coat (physical), presence of germination inhibitors (chemical), requirement for cold stratification, or light requirement
Explanation: Seed dormancy: prevents germination in unfavorable conditions. Mechanisms: impermeable seed coat (hard/physical); chemical inhibitors (ABA); cold requirement (vernalization); light requirement; embryo immaturity.
Concept context
Asexual and sexual reproduction, flower anatomy, pollination, fertilization, and seed development.