In year two of a biennial plant's life, they bolt and produce a seed. What happens in year one?

• A. They form roots and a rosette
• B. They bolt and seed
• C. They die back to the ground
• D. They produce leaves continuously

Answer: (A)

Biennial plants complete their life cycle in two years, focusing on different tasks in each year. In the first year they grow vegetatively, developing a root system and a rosette of leaves near the soil surface. This setup stores energy to fuel rapid growth in year two. In year two they bolt, flower, and set seed before the plant dies. So the year-one stage of forming roots and a rosette is the correct description. The other options describe actions that occur in year two (bolting and seeding) or are not characteristic of the year-one stage.