Question

Assertion :Root systems in hydrophytes are poorly developed. Reason: This condition helps the hydrophytes to avoid maximum water absorption.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
• C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
• D. Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.

Generally, hydrophytes have poorly developed root systems. This is because their other adaptations allow them to gain all the nutrients they need from their aquatic environment. However, if the hydrophyte lives in moving water and is rooted to the ground, then the system will generally be well developed, in order to protect the plant from the current. But for floating hydrophytes living in still waters, it would be a waste of energy growing a root system when it is not required for the plants survival. For rooted hydrophytes living in still waters, the main purpose of the roots is anchorage and retrieving nutrients from the water-logged soil. Duckweed (Lemnoideae) is an example of a hydrophyte with reduced roots. The assertion is true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.