A. Choose the correct answer. 1. The outer hard covering of a seed is called? 2. The process of scattering of seeds away from the mother plant is called? 3. Carrot and sweet potato can grow new plants

Here are the answers to the questions: A. Choose the correct answer. 1. The outer hard covering of a seed is called (b) seed coat The seed coat protects the embryo inside the seed. Answer: (b) 2. The process of scattering of seeds away from the mother plant is called (c) dispersal Seed dispersal helps prevent overcrowding and allows seeds to colonize new areas. Answer: (c) 3. Carrot and sweet potato can grow new plants from their (c) roots These plants store food in their modified roots, which can also give rise to new plants vegetatively. Answer: (c) 4. Cotton plant grows well in (b) loamy soil Loamy soil is ideal for cotton as it has a good balance of sand, silt, and clay, providing good drainage and water retention. Answer: (b) 5. The most common plants of deserts are (a) cactus and prickly pear Cacti are well-adapted to arid desert environments with features like thick, waxy stems and spines. Answer: (a) 6. Urea, ammonium sulphate, superphosphates are some common (b) fertilizers These substances provide essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to plants, enhancing their growth. Answer: (b) 7. Wheat and gram are the examples of (a) rabi crops Rabi crops are sown in winter and harvested in spring. Answer: (a) B. Give short answers. 1. Define germination. Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a seedling. It involves the emergence of the radicle (embryonic root) and plumule (embryonic shoot) from the seed. 2. What are the necessary conditions for seeds to germinate? The necessary conditions for seeds to germinate are adequate water, suitable temperature, and sufficient oxygen*. Some seeds also require light or darkness. 3. What is the role of cotyledons in the growth of a seedling? Cotyledons are embryonic leaves within the seed that store food or help in photosynthesis. They provide essential nutrients* to the developing seedling until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. 4. What is vegetative reproduction? Vegetative reproduction is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where new plants grow from vegetative parts like stems, roots, or leaves* of the parent plant, rather than from seeds or spores. 5. How does soil affect the growth of plants? Soil affects plant growth by providing physical support, water, nutrients, and air* to the roots. Different soil types have varying capacities to retain water and nutrients, influencing which plants can grow well.