Question

Assertion: Adiantum caudatum is also called walking fern.
Reason: It reproduces through its leaf tips.
A. If both the assertion and reason are correct and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
B. If both the assertion and reason is correct but the reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
C. If the assertion is true but the reason is false
D. If both assertion and reason are false.

Answer 1

Hint: Adiantum caudatum belongs to pteridophytes. It grows in a shaded area and on the surface of limestone and dolomite rock. It is found in India, Burma, China, and Bangladesh. It is also known as a walking fen or walking maiden. Adiantum caudatum belongs to the Pteridaceae family.

Complete answer: In Pteridaceae, species that belong to the family rhizomes are creeping and erect and the sporangia are present in clusters. Pteridaceae lack true indusium. In Adiantum caudatum, sporangia are present in the vein. When leaves of Adiantum caudatum come in contact with the soil, they grow into new plants, so it is regarded as walking ferns. Leaves of walking ferns are covered with a circular structure of leaf margin called the false indusium. The false indusium functions like a protective covering for sporangia especially from drying. Hence, Adiantum caudatum is reproduced through leaf tips. They are always found in colonies. Walking ferns belong to Asplenium. Ebony spleenwort is closely related to walking fern. When walking fern and Ebony spleenwort live in the same area, the two sometimes hybridize. Scott’s Spleenwort is a hybrid of walking fern and Ebony spleenwort.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Note: Walking fern is a perennial plant. Its leaves are leathery, triangular and evergreen. In some countries, it is used in medicines due to its anti-diabetic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities. Like other ferns, it is also cultivated as ornamental uses. Some biologists put walking fern separately under the genus Camptosorus due to its unique nature of producing new plants through leaves tips.