Texas FFA Nursery Landscape Practice Exam

Which of the following is not an important environmental requirement for germination to occur?

1. Moisture

2. Carbon dioxide

3. Proper temperature

4. Oxygen

The correct answer is: Carbon dioxide

For germination to occur, several environmental factors are critical, and among them, moisture, proper temperature, and oxygen are essential. Moisture is necessary for the seed to imbibe water, which activates enzymes and supports metabolic processes. The proper temperature ensures that the biochemical reactions required for germination proceed at an optimal rate. Oxygen is vital because it is used in respiration, providing the energy needed for the seed to grow. Carbon dioxide, while important for photosynthesis in the later stages of plant growth, is not a crucial factor during the germination phase. Seeds do not require carbon dioxide in significant amounts at the outset; instead, they rely on stored energy reserves. Therefore, while carbon dioxide plays a role in the overall life cycle of a plant, it does not impact the initial germination process, making it the right choice in this context.