Final answer:
The characteristic of life when a sunflower grows from a seed into a flower is growth and development. This process involves stages of growth in size and changes in form. Sunflowers track the sun's movement during their bud stage and use photosynthesis for energy conversion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of life that is demonstrated when a sunflower grows from a seed into a flower is growth and development. This is a fundamental characteristic shared by all living things, whether they are plants, animals, or other forms of life. The process of a seed transforming into a mature plant includes stages of growth, where the organism increases in size, as well as development, where the organism changes form or structure in a predetermined way.
As for sunflowers, specifically the Helianthus annuus, they are called sunflowers due to their heliotropism during the bud stage, meaning they track the movement of the sun across the sky. This heliotropic action, however, eventually ceases as the flower matures. Sunflowers are fascinating because of their growth process which involves photosynthesis, a vital biological function where they convert light energy into chemical energy.
Furthermore, sunflowers exhibit unique reproductive strategies, with the inflorescence displaying smaller petals and a distinct pattern of phenology. The central disc flowers open from the outside inward and provide an opportunity for pollination, which is crucial for the production of seeds essential for the reproduction of these plants.