What is one major characteristic that distinguishes perennial plants?

Perennial plants are defined by their ability to live and grow for multiple years, which distinguishes them from annual and biennial plants. Unlike annuals, which complete their life cycle in one growing season, and biennials, which take two seasons to complete their life cycle, perennials have a more extended life span. They typically grow back from their root systems each year, and many may even bloom multiple times throughout their lifetime. This resilience allows perennials to thrive in a variety of ecosystems and contributes to their significance in agriculture and landscaping.

The other options provided do not align with the defining characteristics of perennials. Some plants can complete their life cycle in less than one year, which is typical of annual plants. Reproduction by seed is common among many plant types, including annuals and biennials, so it doesn’t specifically identify perennials. While some perennials might have thick stems, this is not a universal trait as perennials can vary widely in their physical characteristics.