Which term describes a plant that completes its life cycle within a single growing season?

Which term describes a plant that completes its life cycle within a single growing season?

• A. Annual
• B. Biennial
• C. Perennial
• D. Ephemeral

Answer: (A)

Completing its life cycle in a single growing season describes an annual plant. An annual germinates, grows, flowers, produces seeds, and dies within one year. This quick turnaround is what distinguishes annuals from other life-cycle types: biennials require two growing seasons to complete their life cycle, perennials live for multiple years and can flower multiple times, and ephemeral is not the standard term used for this basic classification. Examples of annuals include corn, beans, sunflowers, and marigolds, which all complete their entire life cycle before the season ends.

Completing its life cycle in a single growing season describes an annual plant. An annual germinates, grows, flowers, produces seeds, and dies within one year. This quick turnaround is what distinguishes annuals from other life-cycle types: biennials require two growing seasons to complete their life cycle, perennials live for multiple years and can flower multiple times, and ephemeral is not the standard term used for this basic classification. Examples of annuals include corn, beans, sunflowers, and marigolds, which all complete their entire life cycle before the season ends.