Period of no growth

• A. Germination
• B. Hibernation
• C. Dormancy
• D. Quiescence

Answer: (C)

Dormancy is a period when growth and development are temporarily halted, often to survive unfavorable conditions or to await signals that conditions are suitable for growth. In seeds, dormancy prevents germination until cues like adequate moisture, temperature, and light are met, even if some conditions seem favorable at first. Germination would be the actual start of growth, so it isn’t a period of no growth. Hibernation describes a long-lasting, low-metabolism state in animals during winter and isn’t about stopping growth in the broad plant sense. Quiescence is a reversible pause caused by unfavorable conditions (like drought); growth resumes quickly when conditions improve, but it isn’t the same as a regulated dormant state that delays growth until the right time.