Define the term "germination."

The correct definition of "germination" is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. This process begins when the seed absorbs water, swells, and begins to grow. The temperature, moisture, and light conditions must be just right for this process to take place. During germination, the seed provides nutrients to the developing plant until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis after it has emerged from the soil.

The other terms provided describe different botanical processes: pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the male part to the female part of flowers, photosynthesis is the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by plants, and fruit development occurs after fertilization of the flower. These processes are crucial in the lifecycle of plants but do not define germination, which is specifically focused on the transition from seed to sprout.