What term describes the initiation of growth in a seed when environmental conditions are met?

The initiation of growth in a seed when environmental conditions are favorable is referred to as germination. This process begins when seeds absorb water, swell, and break through their outer coating, marking the start of growth. Germination is influenced by several factors, including temperature, moisture, and oxygen availability, all of which must reach certain thresholds for the seed to start developing into a new plant.

Pollination pertains to the transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma of flowers, which is essential for the fertilization process but not directly related to seed growth. Fertilization occurs after pollination and is the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in the formation of a zygote that will eventually develop into a seed, but it does not initiate growth itself. Transpiration, on the other hand, refers to the process of water vapor leaving plant surfaces, primarily leaves, and while it is an important aspect of plant physiology, it is unrelated to the specific process of seed growth initiation.