Question

Scale leaves are also called as
A)Hypsophyllis
B)Sporophylls
C)Cataphylls
D)Prophylls

Answer 1

Hint: Scale leaves are small, reduced, modified leaves that are usually colourless and membranous. These are scale-like structures. These are protecting buds which are commonly found in a rhizome, cypresses, etc. They protect the axillary bud which is present in their axil. Sometimes, these scale leaves are fleshy and thick to store water and food, for example, in onions. These leaves are commonly found in saprophytes, underground stems, parasites, etc.

Complete answer:
Option A- Hypophyllus
Hpysophylls are also known as bract or bracteole. These leaves surround the flower in their axil and protect the flower buds. These are present below the spore-bearing leaf.
Option B- Sporophylls
These leaves bear sporangia. Sporophylls include both microphylls and megaphylls. These are found in Alaria esculenta, Lycophytes, Ginkgo, etc.
Option C- Cataphylls
Cataphylls are small, reduced leaves which are also known as Scale leaves. It is not a photosynthetic structure, but it provides storage functions. For example- cotyledons, rhizome scales, bud scales.
Option D- Prophylls
These are specialized, reduced leaves that are present at the first node of a new shoot. For example- prophylls are seen in wood-apples as spines.

Hence the correct answer is OPTION(C)

Note: A leaf is a flattened, green structure found in higher plants. Their main function is photosynthesis and transpiration. Modification in leaves occurs for performing functions other than photosynthesis. A leaf can be modified into spines, tendrils, scale leaves, phyllodes, etc. These modified leaves provide different functions like climbing, defence, trapping of insects, etc.