Biennial plants are those which

Options

A. complete their life cycle in two years
B. live for more than one year but less than two years
C. produce flowers twice a years
D. grow vegetatively in one season and produce flowers in next season

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Biennial Plants**: Biennial plants are those that complete their life cycle in two years. They are distinct from annual and perennial plants based on their life cycle duration.

2. **Growth Phase**: In the first year of their life cycle, biennial plants primarily focus on vegetative growth. This includes the development of leaves, stems, and roots. During this time, they gather energy and nutrients.

3. **Dormant Stage**: After the first year, biennial plants enter a dormant stage, particularly during the winter season. During this time, their growth slows down significantly, and they become inactive.

4. **Flowering Phase**: In the second year, as the seasons change and temperatures rise, biennial plants resume growth. They produce flowers and subsequently seeds before completing their life cycle and dying.

5. **Examples of Biennial Plants**: Common examples of biennial plants include foxglove (Digitalis) and money plant (Plectranthus).

6. **Bolting Process**: A notable phenomenon in biennial plants is "bolting," which is a survival mechanism triggered by an increase in temperature. This process allows the plant to transition from vegetative growth to flowering.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, biennial plants are characterized by their two-year life cycle, where they grow vegetatively in the first year and flower in the second year before dying.