What characteristic defines annual plants regarding their lifecycle?

Annual plants are characterized by their lifecycle, which is completed within one year. This means they germinate, grow, flower, set seeds, and die all within a single growing season. For gardeners and farmers, understanding this characteristic is crucial since annuals require replanting each year to continue production.

In contrast, perennial plants have lifecycles that extend over multiple years, allowing them to survive and bloom each season without needing to be replanted. Biennials, on the other hand, typically complete their lifecycle over two years, while the option referring to woody structures pertains more to certain types of perennials or shrubs, not to the lifecycle directly associated with annual plants. Recognizing these lifecycle distinctions assists in effective planting and management of various plant types in agricultural practices.