Question

The part of ferns which help them to survive forest fire are:
A. Roots
B. Sporophyll
C. Stem
D. Leaf

Answer 1

Hint: Burnt area in forests is caused by forest fire. It leads to destruction of the plant community in the whole area. Unattended campfires, burning of leftover materials, usage of malfunctioning instruments, discarded cigarettes, and intentional acts of arson are the major reasons behind the forest fire. Though most of the plants get destroyed in forest fires, ferns survive.

Complete answer:
Option A Roots: Root of a fern is generally thin. It looks wiry in texture. Since it is very weak, it is not possible to withstand major hazards like forest fire. In addition, it arises from stem only.
Option A is not correct.
Option B Sporophyll: Sporophyll is a leaf in fern. It bears sporangia. Both microsporophyll and megasporophyll come under sporophyll. But the sporophyte grows well only when the growth conditions are favorable. They are normal foliage leaves and are soft, to be destroyed easily by forest fire.
Hence, Option B is not correct.
Option C Stem: The stems in ferns are called rhizomes. They have well-developed vascular tissues for conduction of water and nutrients. Even if all leaves are burnt, their stems survive as they are safely present below the ground. The leaves arise from rhizomes only as they lack aerial stems.
So, Option C is correct.
Option D Leaf: Leaves of ferns are called as fronds. Petiole is the stalk of the leaf. Trophophyll frond and sporophyll frond are the types of leaves. Trophophyll helps in photosynthesis, while sporophyll aids in formation of spores. Fern leaves are above the ground and weak, so it is possible to get destroyed during forest fires.
Option D is not correct.

Therefore, Option C) is the correct answer.

Note:
Stem is a necessity for the speedy growth of the plant. It should not be vulnerable to fire and should be present in a safe location. If a stem is present above the ground, forest fire will easily destroy it. When the stem is present below the ground, forest fires won’t have much access to it. Stem in fern satisfies the safety criterion.