Question

read the excerpt from paragraph 3.

a year later the remaining seeds were sent to the southern forest service station in gulfport, mississippi (sycamore, loblolly pine, and sweetgum) and to the western station in placerville, california (redwood and douglas fir) to attempt germination. many of the seeds, and later cuttings, were successful and grew into viable seedlings. some of these were planted with their earth - bound counterparts....

what is the meaning of the word seedlings as it is used in the excerpt?

a. seeds that can sprout
b. very small seeds
c. parts of trees that hold seeds
d. very young trees

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "seedlings", we analyze the context. The excerpt says seeds were sent to attempt germination, and many seeds (and later cuttings) were successful and grew into viable seedlings, some of which were planted.

• Option A: "seeds that can sprout" refers to seeds with the potential to germinate, but "seedlings" are already grown from seeds, not the seeds themselves. Eliminate A.
• Option B: "very small seeds" is incorrect because seedlings are not seeds but plants that have grown from seeds. Eliminate B.
• Option C: "parts of trees that hold seeds" describes structures like seed pods, not seedlings. Eliminate C.
• Option D: "very young trees" fits because after seeds germinate and grow, they become young plants (seedlings) that can be planted. This matches the context of planting them with Earth - bound counterparts (other young trees or plants).

Answer:

D. very young trees