What is the name of the process by which a seed sprouts and begins to grow?

The process by which a seed sprouts and begins to grow is called germination. During germination, the seed absorbs water, swells, and eventually breaks through its outer shell. This process is crucial for the seed's development as it triggers the growth of the embryo inside, leading to the formation of roots and shoots. Various environmental factors, such as moisture, temperature, and light, can influence germination, but once conditions are favorable, the dormant seed activates metabolic processes necessary for growth.

Pollination, on the other hand, refers to the transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, which is not directly related to seed sprouting. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, crucial for growth, but it occurs after germination has taken place. Fertilization happens when the male and female gametes unite to form a zygote, which then develops into a seed, but is not the same as the sprouting process of that seed. Thus, germination specifically denotes the initial growth phase of a seed, making it the correct answer.