What are dormant seeds?

Dormant seeds are seeds that, despite being intact and viable, do not germinate even when placed in optimal conditions for germination, such as the right temperature, moisture, and light. This dormancy is often a protective mechanism that allows seeds to endure unfavorable conditions until circumstances are more suitable for growth, ensuring that the plant species can survive and reproduce over time.

This state of dormancy can be due to various factors, including physiological, physical, or chemical influences within the seed. These dormant seeds may require a specific environmental cue or period of time before they can break dormancy and begin the germination process. Recognizing that dormant seeds remain viable highlights their potential to germinate in the future, which is essential for agronomy and ecological studies.

The other options describe different states of seeds that are not classified as dormant. Germinating seeds would be actively sprouting, while seeds that have already sprouted cannot be considered dormant. Furthermore, seeds that require only light to germinate portray a specific condition of seed behavior but do not embody the broader definition of dormancy that encompasses seeds unable to germinate under ideal conditions.