All organisms have a to reach a certain stage of growth and maturity in their life, before they can reproduce sexually. That period of growth is called the

Options

A. Reproduction phase
B. Senescent phase
C. Vegetative phase in animals and juvenile phase in plants
D. Vegetative phase in plants and juvenile phase in animals

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for the specific term that describes the period of growth and maturity that organisms must reach before they can reproduce sexually.

2. **Identifying the Phases of Life Cycle**: Organisms go through different phases in their life cycle. The three main phases are:
- Juvenile Phase
- Reproductive Phase
- Senescent Phase

3. **Defining Each Phase**:
- **Juvenile Phase**: This is the stage where the organism is still growing and developing. It has not yet reached sexual maturity.
- **Reproductive Phase**: This is the stage where the organism is capable of reproducing sexually.
- **Senescent Phase**: This is the aging phase where the organism loses the ability to reproduce.

4. **Differentiating Between Plants and Animals**:
- In animals, the period of growth before sexual reproduction is referred to as the **Juvenile Phase**.
- In plants, this growth period is often called the **Vegetative Phase**.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question is that the period of growth and maturity before sexual reproduction is termed the **Juvenile Phase in Animals** and the **Vegetative Phase in Plants**.

**Final Answer**: The period of growth before sexual reproduction is called the **Juvenile Phase in Animals** and the **Vegetative Phase in Plants**.

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