What is meant by vivapary in plants?

Options

A. Seed germination with subterranean cotyledons
B. Seed germination with epiterranean cotyledons
C. Fruit development without pollination
D. Seed germination inside fruit, while the fruit is still attached to plant

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Definition of Vivipary**: Vivipary in plants refers to a specific type of seed germination where seeds begin to germinate while still attached to the parent plant. This means that the seeds do not fall off and start growing independently; instead, they remain connected to the fruit on the plant.

2. **Characteristics of Vivipary**: In viviparous plants, the seeds do not enter a dormant phase. This means that as soon as the conditions are favorable, the seeds start to grow immediately without any delay.

3. **Examples of Vivipary**: A common example of vivipary is found in mangrove species. These plants typically grow in coastal areas and salt marshes, where the seeds germinate while still attached to the tree, allowing them to adapt quickly to their environment.

4. **Comparison with Other Options**:
- The first option mentions seed germination with subterranean cotyledons, which is not related to vivipary.
- The second option mentions seed germination with epiterean cotyledons, which also does not describe vivipary.
- The third option refers to fruit development without pollination, which is known as parthenocarpy and is unrelated to vivipary.
- The fourth option correctly describes vivipary as seed germination inside the fruit while it is still attached to the plant.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the definition and characteristics of vivipary, the correct answer to the question is that vivipary is the germination of seeds inside the fruit while the fruit is still attached to the parent plant.

**Final Answer**: Vivipary in plants is defined as the germination of seeds inside the fruit while the fruit is still attached to the parent plant.

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