Final answer:
The true statement about seeds is e. All of the above. Seeds are multi-functional, serving as dispersal mechanisms, protectors of the embryo, facilitators of dormancy, and providers of nutrients to the developing embryo.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which of the following statements about seeds is true? The correct answer is e. All of the above. Seeds play a crucial role in the life cycle of a plant. They serve multiple purposes:
- Dispersal mechanism: Seeds enable plants to disperse their progeny across space, similar to how animals spread their offspring to new locations.
- Protection for the embryo: Seeds provide a secure environment, protecting the vulnerable plant embryo from environmental hazards and desiccation.
- Dormancy: Seeds can remain dormant for extended periods, which allows them to wait for optimum growth conditions, enabling them to disperse through time as well.
- Nutrient provider: The seed contains a store of nutrients that supports the young embryo as it grows into a new plant.
These features collectively ensure the survival and propagation of plant species in various environmental conditions and over long periods.