Question

Plants which behave as mesophytes in rainy season and xerophytes in summer are
A) Xerophytes
B) Phreatophytes
C) Mesophytes
D) Tropophytes

Answer 1

Hint: They are the types of plant that are able to survive in the alternating climatic conditions like wet and dry seasons. In the dry season, they are having their resting phase. Example: trees of the northern deciduous forests.

Complete Answer:
A) Xerophytes are the plants that can survive in the environment that has very little water for survival which includes cold or hot desert.
B) Phreatophytes have a deep root which helps in obtaining water from the phreatic zone. Phreatic zone is also called the zone of saturation.
C) Mesophytes are the terrestrial plants that need moderate water for surviving. So, they are neither adapted to wet or dry environments.
D) Tropophytes are the plants which behave as mesophytes in the rainy season and xerophytes in summer. This means that tropophytes are able to survive with little water in summers and in winter, they need moderate water.

Thus, the correct answer is option D. i.e., Tropophytes.

Additional information: On the basis of the water supply, plants can be classified into 3 types according to their structures:
- Hydrophytes are also called as water plants and they survive in excellent water conditions. Examples: lotus, lily etc.
- Mesophytes that live in moderate water conditions. Examples: clover, corn, goldenrod, etc.
- Xerophytes are the plants that survive in water scarcity. Examples: pineapple, oleander, etc.

Note: Tropophilous plant trees are the tropophytes that can survive in the alternating climatic conditions i.e. wet and dry conditions. These are having broad leaves on the tree. Tropophytes become inactive in unfavourable conditions.