Final answer:
A plant is likely in a dormant state when it relies on stored compounds due to temperature changes, which happens typically in cold climates or during seasons with less sunlight.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a plant must rely on compounds stored in its organs due to temperature changes, it is most likely in a dormant state. This stage typically occurs during the coldest part of the year in response to temperature drops and reduced sunlight availability.
During dormancy, a plant conserves its resources. Cellular activities are reduced, and in some cases, the plant may shed its leaves to minimize resource use. The dormant state serves as a survival mechanism, allowing the plant to withstand adverse conditions by halting processes like photosynthesis that require water, light, and favorable temperatures. In challenging environments such as deserts, certain plants have adapted to engage in carbon fixation at night to minimize water loss.
Seasonal changes, such as differences in day length, trigger these adaptations. For example, seedlings growing in shade or plants in cold biomes adjust their growth and metabolic processes to survive until conditions are favorable for photosynthesis and growth.