Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cardinal temperatures are the range of temperatures over which a plant can complete its growth cycle.
This range includes: Minimum Cardinal Temperature: The lowest temperature at which growth can occur. Optimum Cardinal Temperature: The temperature at which growth is fastest. Maximum Cardinal Temperature: The highest temperature at which growth can occur.
These values depend on the geographic origin and seasonal adaptation of each crop. Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us match each crop with its correct minimum cardinal temperature based on physiological adaptations:
- A. Rice: Rice (Oryza sativa) is a C3 crop originating from tropical and subtropical regions.
Because of its warm-season adaptation, it has a high minimum cardinal temperature, below which vegetative growth and germination are severely inhibited.
This minimum temperature range is \( 0^\circ\text{C} \text{ to } 0^\circ\text{C} \).
Thus, A matches with IV.
- B. Wheat: Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a temperate, cool-season C3 cereal crop.
It is adapted to grow at much lower temperatures than tropical crops, with a minimum cardinal temperature of \( 0^\circ\text{C} \text{ to } 5^\circ\text{C} \).
Thus, B matches with II.
- C. Maize: Maize (Zea mays) is a warm-season C4 crop originating from tropical America.
It requires moderately warm conditions to germinate and grow, with a minimum cardinal temperature of \( 0^\circ\text{C} \text{ to } 0^\circ\text{C} \).
Thus, C matches with III.
- D. Peas: Peas (Pisum sativum) are highly cold-tolerant cool-season legumes.
They can initiate germination and growth at very low temperatures near freezing, with a minimum cardinal temperature of \( 0^\circ\text{C} \text{ to } 0^\circ\text{C} \).
Thus, D matches with I.
Combining these pairs yields the sequence: A - IV, B - II, C - III, D - I. Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct matching sequence is A - IV, B - II, C - III, D - I.
