Final answer:
Recalcitrant seed germination is the inability of some seeds to enter dormancy and remain viable. It poses a challenge for tropical forest restoration as the seeds cannot be stored for long periods and must be dispersed quickly after fruiting for successful germination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recalcitrant seed germination refers to the inability of some seeds to enter a period of dormancy and remain viable for long periods. This trait is a challenge for tropical forest restoration because recalcitrant seeds cannot withstand drying and storage, making it difficult to collect and store large quantities for reforestation efforts. Tropical forests rely on seed dispersal by animals, and many animal-dispersed seeds are recalcitrant, requiring them to be dispersed shortly after fruiting for successful germination and establishment.