Final answer:
Seeds can only germinate once; this is true. Germination is when a seed sprouts into a new plant, and it occurs only if environmental conditions are favorable. Seed dormancy allows seeds to wait for optimal conditions before germinating.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Seeds can only germinate once' is True. Seed germination is a one-time event in a plant's life cycle. When a seed finds itself in favorable conditions—such as appropriate moisture, light, and temperature—it will germinate. This involves the seed sprouting and developing into a seedling, eventually growing into an adult plant if conditions continue to be favorable. It is important to note that not all seeds from a plant will successfully germinate.
In species that produce many seeds, only a few of these seeds actually germinate and lead to new plants. This is because these plants invest less energy in each individual seed. However, species that produce fewer seeds will invest more energy in each seed to maximize the chance of germination and successful development into an adult plant.
Seed dormancy is a crucial mechanism for plant survival. Dormant seeds can withstand unfavorable environmental conditions, and they will only resume growth when the conditions are right for germination. Thus, a seed will only germinate once, and if it fails to develop into an adult plant, it will not get another chance.