विस्तृत व्याख्या:

Seed Dormancy as an Adaptive Survival Mechanism (बीज प्रसुप्ति):

• Seed dormancy (बीज प्रसुप्ति) is an evolutionary adaptation that temporarily suspends the germination of viable seeds even when favorable external conditions (moisture, temperature, oxygen) are present.
• It prevents premature germination under unseasonable conditions (such as late autumn frost or mid-summer drought) and distributes germination over time and space, ensuring seedling survival in unpredictable environments.
• Dormant seeds maintain extremely depressed metabolic rates to conserve energy reserves over extended periods until conditions become optimal.

Correct Answer: Option 3 (Dormancy).