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D3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germination

Seed dispersal moves offspring away from parents, while germination requires water, oxygen and suitable temperature to mobilize stored food reserves.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D3.1.12
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing12%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2024
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • Identify
  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Listing water, oxygen and temperature without explaining their biological roles.

Recent exam appearances

May 2024Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ13(c)(ii)[ 2 ]D3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germination
May 2024Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ13(c)(i)[ 1 ]D3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germination
May 2023Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ132[ 1 ]D3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germination
May 2022Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ234[ 1 ]D3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germination
November 2021Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ034[ 1 ]D3.1.12—Seed dispersal and germination
Practice this objective

Coverage 2013–2024 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Seeds Disperse, Then Germinate when Conditions Permit

Seed dispersal separates offspring from the parent, and germination begins when water, oxygen and a suitable temperature allow metabolism and growth.

Dispersal reduces crowding and competition. During germination, water activates enzymes, oxygen supports respiration, and the embryo uses stored food until photosynthesis begins.

Check each condition before deciding whether a seed can germinate.

A bean seed kept dry does not germinate; after water and warmth are supplied, respiration rises and the radicle emerges.

A seed can be viable but remain dormant; failure to germinate does not prove it is dead.

Seed dispersal and germination

Assessment in practice

1–3 marks
How it is assessed

This objective is assessed through structured response, commonly using Identify / Outline.

Command terms

Identify / Outline

What earns marks

Build the answer around this relationship: Water uptake is the first step that reactivates metabolism in a dry seed.

Watch for

Listing water, oxygen and temperature without explaining their biological roles.

Representative question

Question 1

[Maximum number: 6]

Outline the metabolic processes that occur in starchy seeds during germination.

Retrieve the Core Reproduction Route

Core D3.1 route: reproduction creates offspring, gametes or pollen move, fertilization or germination follows, and the consequence is variation, embryo formation, seed production, or successful early growth.

  • mitosis makes clones; meiosis and fertilization create variation
  • hormones, anatomy, fertilization, and IVF support gamete fusion and embryo development
  • pollination and pollen-tube growth bring gametes together inside ovules
  • dispersal reduces competition and germination starts with water, enzymes, and reserves

Core Reproduction

Core D3.1 exam questions usually combine reproduction strategy with gamete formation, fertilization, human cycles, IVF, plant pollination, or seed germination. Treat each answer as a route: name the process, say what moves or changes, then give the biological consequence.

  • Compare asexual and sexual reproduction by mechanism and genetic outcome.
  • Link meiosis, fertilization, reproductive anatomy, and hormonal cycles to successful reproduction.
  • Explain plant pollination and seed stages by connecting structures to transfer, fertilization, dispersal, and germination.

Concept essentials

  • Water uptake is the first step that reactivates metabolism in a dry seed.
  • Gibberellin stimulates amylase production during germination of starchy seeds.
  • Cotyledons store reserves used for embryo growth during germination.