The Life Cycle: Flowering Plants

Seed dispersal refers to the movement of seeds away from the parent plant. This process is crucial for the survival and propagation of plant species. By dispersing their seeds, plants ensure that they are not competing for resources in the same area and increase their chances of finding suitable conditions for germination and growth. Seed dispersal can occur through various means, such as wind, water, animals, or even self-dispersal mechanisms. Therefore, seed dispersal is the correct term for the movement of seeds away from the parent plant.

Fertilized flowers do produce new seeds because fertilization occurs when the pollen from the male reproductive organ (stamen) reaches the female reproductive organ (pistil) of a flower. This process leads to the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in the formation of seeds. These seeds contain the genetic information necessary for the growth of a new plant. Therefore, it can be concluded that fertilized flowers do produce new seeds.

Germination is the correct answer because it refers to the stage in which a seed begins to sprout and grow into a new plant. During germination, the seed absorbs water and nutrients, which triggers metabolic activities and leads to the emergence of the root and shoot. This stage is crucial for the development of a new plant and marks the beginning of its life cycle.

Flowering plants can produce flowers when they are adults because the process of flowering is a part of their reproductive cycle. Once plants reach maturity, they develop the ability to produce flowers, which contain the reproductive organs necessary for pollination and seed production. This allows the plants to reproduce and produce offspring. Flowers are typically produced annually or during specific seasons, depending on the species.

The term "growth" refers to the process of a seedling developing into a mature plant. It encompasses various physiological and physical changes that occur in the plant, such as an increase in size, the formation of leaves, stems, and roots, and the ability to produce flowers and fruits. Reproduction, pollination, and fertilization are all important processes in the life cycle of a plant, but they do not specifically describe the overall development of a seedling into a mature plant.