Question

A farmer made an observation in a backwater paddy field of coastal Kerala that the paddy plants wilt during noon onwards everyday but appear normal next morning. What would be the possible reason for wilting?

• A. The rate of water absorption is less than the rate of transpiration in the afternoon.
• B. The rate of water absorption is more than the rate of transpiration in the afternoon.
• C. The changes in the rate of water absorption and transpiration are not associated with wilting.
• D. The rate of water absorption is not related to the rate of transpiration.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The rate of water absorption is less than the rate of transpiration in the afternoon.

Wilting is the drying of the plants due to loss of water. In the afternoon, the rate of transpiration is high causing plants to show wilting. During this time, the rate of absorption of water is lowered as the plants needs to spend energy for absorption. So, the rate of water absorption is less than the rate of transpiration in the afternoon.

The correct answer is 'The rate of water absorption is less than the rate of transpiration in the afternoon'.