The Adaptive Advantage of Seed Dormancy is That It May

Question

The adaptive advantage of seed dormancy is that it may
A) result in germination at a favorable time.
B) increase the probability of a seed's germinating in the right place.
C) allow the seed to avoid competition.
D) increase the likelihood of dispersal.
E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Seed dormancy provides multiple benefits for plants. It allows them to germinate at a favorable time when environmental conditions are most suitable for growth and survival (A). Dormancy also increases the chances of germinating in the right place by increasing the probability of the seed being transported and deposited in a suitable location (B). Seed dormancy can also help plants avoid competition with other plants for resources like water, nutrients, and light by delaying germination until the conditions are optimal for growth and survival (C). Finally, dormancy can increase the likelihood of dispersal by delaying germination until the seed has been transported to a new location (D). Therefore, all of the above options are beneficial to plants and contribute to the adaptive advantage of seed dormancy.