Which term best describes a plant that completes its life cycle in one year?

• A. Annual
• B. Biennial
• C. Perennial
• D. Ephemeral

Answer: (A)

A plant that completes its life cycle in one year is described as an annual. This means it germinates, grows, reproduces, and dies within a single growing season. Annuals are adapted to finish everything in one year, often producing a lot of seeds to ensure the next generation. In contrast, biennials take two years to complete their cycle, perennials live for multiple years and can flower many seasons, and ephemeral describes very short-lived plants that finish their life cycle quickly under favorable conditions but isn’t the standard term for a one-year cycle.