With reference to the germination of seeds, consider the following statements based on abiotic factors: 1. Seeds can germinate in the complete absence of air and water. 2. Light and heat are abiotic factors that influence the growth of plants. 3. Abiotic factors are important for all living organisms. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Seed germination is the process by which a dormant seed begins to sprout and grow into a seedling under favourable environmental conditions. These conditions involve specific abiotic factors such as water, oxygen, and temperature, which are essential for metabolic reactivation. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Seeds cannot germinate in the complete absence of air and water. Water is required for imbibition, which swells the seed coat and activates enzymes necessary for digesting stored food. Air (specifically oxygen) is essential for aerobic respiration, providing the energy required for cell division and growth. Without these, metabolic processes cannot initiate. - Statement 2 is Correct. Light and heat (temperature) are critical abiotic factors influencing plant growth. Temperature regulates the rate of enzymatic activities; extremely low or high temperatures can inhibit growth or damage tissues. Light is essential for photosynthesis (production of food) and photomorphogenesis (developmental changes induced by light). - Statement 3 is Correct. Abiotic factors-such as temperature, water, light, and soil-are fundamental to the survival of all living organisms, not just plants. They determine the distribution, behaviour, and metabolism of organisms within an ecosystem. Key Takeaway: The essential external conditions for seed germination are Water (for enzyme activation), Oxygen (for respiration), and Temperature (for metabolic kinetics). Light is not always required for germination but is crucial for subsequent plant growth.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 4: The living organisms - characteristics and habitats

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With reference to the germination of seeds, consider the following statements based on abiotic factors:

Seeds can germinate in the complete absence of air and water.
Light and heat are abiotic factors that influence the growth of plants.
Abiotic factors are important for all living organisms.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Seed germination is the process by which a dormant seed begins to sprout and grow into a seedling under favourable environmental conditions. These conditions involve specific abiotic factors such as water, oxygen, and temperature, which are essential for metabolic reactivation.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Seeds cannot germinate in the complete absence of air and water. Water is required for imbibition, which swells the seed coat and activates enzymes necessary for digesting stored food. Air (specifically oxygen) is essential for aerobic respiration, providing the energy required for cell division and growth. Without these, metabolic processes cannot initiate.
Statement 2 is Correct. Light and heat (temperature) are critical abiotic factors influencing plant growth. Temperature regulates the rate of enzymatic activities; extremely low or high temperatures can inhibit growth or damage tissues. Light is essential for photosynthesis (production of food) and photomorphogenesis (developmental changes induced by light).
Statement 3 is Correct. Abiotic factors-such as temperature, water, light, and soil-are fundamental to the survival of all living organisms, not just plants. They determine the distribution, behaviour, and metabolism of organisms within an ecosystem.

Key Takeaway: The essential external conditions for seed germination are Water (for enzyme activation), Oxygen (for respiration), and Temperature (for metabolic kinetics). Light is not always required for germination but is crucial for subsequent plant growth.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: The living organisms - characteristics and habitats

With reference to the concept of 'adaptation' in living organisms, consider the following statements: 1. It refers to the small changes that take place in the body of a single organism over a short period to overcome changes in the surroundings. 2. It involves specific features or habits that enable an organism to live naturally in a place. 3. It is a rapid process that occurs within a few days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following specific features of a camel that help it survive in desert conditions: 1. They excrete a small amount of urine to conserve water. 2. They sweat profusely to keep their bodies cool. 3. They have very short legs to keep their bodies close to the ground. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which behavioral adaptation allows desert animals like rats and snakes to survive intense daytime heat?

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Seeds cannot germinate in the complete absence of air and water. Water is required for imbibition, which swells the seed coat and activates enzymes necessary for digesting stored food. Air (specifically oxygen) is essential for aerobic respiration, providing the energy required for cell division and growth. Without these, metabolic processes cannot initiate.
Statement 2 is Correct. Light and heat (temperature) are critical abiotic factors influencing plant growth. Temperature regulates the rate of enzymatic activities; extremely low or high temperatures can inhibit growth or damage tissues. Light is essential for photosynthesis (production of food) and photomorphogenesis (developmental changes induced by light).
Statement 3 is Correct. Abiotic factors-such as temperature, water, light, and soil-are fundamental to the survival of all living organisms, not just plants. They determine the distribution, behaviour, and metabolism of organisms within an ecosystem.