Question

Heterophylly is shown in the following plants
A) Cotton
B) Larkspur
C) Butter cup
D) All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Heterophylly occurs in aquatic plants. The plants show more than one type of leaves at different stages of growth.

Complete Answer:
- Heterophylly can be defined as the presence of differently shaped leaves on the same or different stem of the same plant.
It is mainly of three types-
1) Developmental heterophylly- In this type, different types of leaves arise at different times of growth. Plants will bear different leaves in the juvenile stage and some other form in the mature stage.
For example cotton, coriander, Larkspur.
2) Habitual heterophylly- In this type, leaves with different shapes are borne on the different parts of the plant. Example is East Indian herb. In this main stem has ovate leaves whereas the branches have acicular leaves.
3) Environmental heterophylly- This type is found majorly in aquatic plants. The aerial leaves are different from the floating leaves and submerged leaves. Example buttercup. In this the aerial and floating leaves are generally broad as compared to the submerged leaves.

Thus the correct answer is (D). Heterophylly is present in cotton, larkspur and buttercup.

Note: Heterophylly is an adaptation for the plant to adapt in different conditions which can be its growth stages, habitat or even environment.