Question

In aquatic plant Ranunculus flabellaris (buttercup), submerged leaves are highly dissected whereas the emerged leaves are broad and lobed. This is an example of ____________
(A) heterophylly
(B) environmental plasticity
(C) phenology
(D) both (A) and (B).

Answer 1

Hint: There are various changes through which the plant goes so as to cope up with the alterations in the environment known as plasticity. Buttercup shows different kind of properties so as to tolerate environmental conditions.

Complete answer:
Now let us discuss the buttercup. In aquatic buttercup Ranunculus flagellates the leaves underwater are highly dissected while those above water are broad and lobed. It is an example of heterophylly. This is because Most leaves have a broad surface which enables them to absorb more light whereas most of them have thin surfaces giving them very little space for the diffusion of carbon dioxide inside and oxygen outside. Their vascular shape is no longer nicely developed and leaves usually lack stomata cells. Leaves of submerged plants are observed to be as thin, filamentous, or linear in shape.

Heterophylly: Heterophylly is the occurrence of varied types of leaves on the same plant in different growth phases or under different environmental conditions. The heterophylly is shown by plants like cotton, larkspur etc.
(B) Environmental plasticity: To adapt to the changes the plant organ also changes its structures, behaviour or morphology. This is known as environmental plasticity.
(C) Phenology: the find out or study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life.

Thus the correct answer is option ‘A’.

Note: Plants like cotton, coriander have different types of leaves in the juvenile phase and the leaves change its morphology when they attain the mature phase. The two different types of leaves are present on the same stem. Buttercup is an example of environmental heterophylly.