The zygote formed after fertilization in an angiosperm typically undergoes a period of dormancy. What is the biological advantage of this dormancy?
The NCERT exercise question 'Why do you think the zygote is dormant for sometime in a fertilised ovule?' directly points to this concept. Zygote dormancy is a crucial adaptation that allows for embryo development to proceed under optimal conditions, often linked to the maturation of the seed and fruit, and prevents early germination when conditions might be unsuitable for seedling survival.