Which statement accurately reflects the life cycle of a summer annual plant?

The statement that accurately reflects the life cycle of a summer annual plant is that one season is needed for all stages of development. Summer annuals complete their entire life cycle—from germination through growth, flowering, and seed production—within a single growing season, typically during warmer months.

These plants germinate in the spring, grow quickly throughout the summer, and then die off after they have produced seeds by the end of the growing season or the onset of colder temperatures. This life cycle contrasts with other plants that may require multiple seasons (like biennials or perennials) to complete their development, making the single-season growth characteristic of summer annuals a key aspect of their biology.

The other statements reflect processes or characteristics associated with different types of plants. For instance, summer annuals do not reproduce by rhizomes or stolons (as indicated in the statement about reproduction); these are methods associated with many perennial plants. Similarly, the involvement of roots in reproduction pertains more to certain perennials or other plant species that have underground storage organs or vegetative reproduction strategies.