What is the characteristic of nematodes that allows them to survive in the soil without host plants?

Nematodes have the ability to enter a dormant state, which is a significant characteristic that enhances their survival in the soil when host plants are not available. During this dormant phase, nematodes can withstand unfavorable environmental conditions such as fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels. This dormancy allows them to conserve energy and maintain viability until suitable conditions return, or until a host is available for feeding and reproduction.

The ability to become dormant means that even when there are no plants to sustain them, nematodes can persist in the soil for extended periods. They are also capable of utilizing this state to avoid predation and harsh environmental factors that could otherwise threaten their survival. This feature is essential for their life cycle and ecological adaptation, making them resilient and widespread in diverse agricultural ecosystems.

Other options, such as metamorphosis, rapid reproduction, and forming protective cocoons, do not accurately describe the primary mechanism that enables nematodes to survive in the absence of host plants. While some may involve other organisms or conditions, they do not directly relate to the survival strategy of dormancy that is critical for nematodes in a soil environment.