The term for "living only one growing season" is spelled "annual". Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈæn.ju.əl/. The first syllable "an" sounds like the word "pan", and the second syllable "nu" is pronounced similarly to "new". The final syllable "al" is pronounced like the word "pal". This word is commonly used to refer to certain plants, flowers, or crops that complete their life cycle in one year, making them easy to cultivate and replace each season.
Living only one growing season refers to an organism or plant species that completes its entire life cycle, from germination to reproduction and death, within a single year. Such organisms are commonly known as annuals. These plants typically grow from seeds, develop vegetative structures, produce flowers and fruits or seeds, and ultimately die within a span of one year.
The cycle of living only one growing season typically begins when the seed is exposed to suitable germination conditions, such as adequate moisture, temperature, and light. As the seed germinates, it develops into a seedling, which gradually grows into a mature plant during the growing season. Throughout this period, the plant focuses on producing flowers and fruits or seeds, which are essential for reproduction. Once reproduction is achieved, the plant begins to senesce and eventually dies, marking the completion of its life cycle.
Living only one growing season is a unique adaptive strategy adopted by many plant species that inhabit regions with distinct seasonal changes, such as temperate and polar climates. These plants take advantage of the favorable growing conditions during the growing season, rapidly completing their life cycle before the onset of adverse environmental conditions like winter. This strategy ensures the survival of the plant species by ensuring that at least some seeds survive to germinate and establish new plants in the following growing season.