Tulips overwinter as which structure?

• A. Seeds
• B. Tubers
• C. Rhizomes
• D. Bulbs

Answer: (D)

Tulips overwinter as a bulb, an underground storage organ that stores nutrients and protects the growing point through cold weather. This enables the plant to resume growth and flower in spring without relying on seed germination. Seeds would not reliably survive winter or lead to quick flowering, whereas a bulb provides the energy reserve and protection needed for rapid spring growth. Tubers and rhizomes are different underground structures—tubers are swollen stems that store food and can sprout from buds, while rhizomes are horizontal underground stems that send up new shoots. The bulb form is specifically adapted for perennials like tulips to endure winter and re-emerge.