Analogy — Choose the pair that best completes the relation: Bud : Flower :: ?

Introduction / Context:
This analogy focuses on developmental stages. A bud is an early stage that develops into a flower. We must find a second pair that mirrors “immature/early form → fully developed form.”

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Bud precedes flower in a plant’s reproductive growth.
• We seek a parallel natural growth progression.

Concept / Approach:
Identify options that represent an organism or object transitioning from a younger/embryonic state to its mature state. Non-developmental or category/location relations should be rejected.

Step-by-Step Solution:
(a) Clay : Mud → materials of similar type; no maturation relation.(b) Sapling : Tree → young plant grows into a mature tree (perfect match).(c) River : Glacier → reverse of common formation (glaciers often feed rivers); not a growth stage.(d) Bird : Tree → living thing vs habitat; not a maturation link.

Verification / Alternative check:
Both “bud→flower” and “sapling→tree” are standard biological growth sequences.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) Lateral material relation; (c) geophysical source–outflow confusion; (d) organism–habitat, not stage.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming any nature-related pair works; the relation type (development) must match.

Final Answer:
Sapling : Tree