Question

If 50 % of leaves are removed from a plant, the rate of transpiration by the remaining leaves will

• A. Decrease
• B. Remains unchanged
• C. Increase
• D. Depends on prevailing conditions

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Remains unchanged

The correct option is (B):

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Transpiration can be defined as the loss of water as water vapor through the pores present on all the aerial parts of plants including leaves, stems, etc.
2. These pores are known as stomata.
3. Though transpiration can occur through all the aerial parts of the plant but it mainly occurs on the surface of the leaves.
4. If half of the leaves of a plant are removed, then the overall transpiration rate of the plant will decrease since the surface area for transpiration will be less.
5. But the remaining leaves will transpire in a similar way they used to do before.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option (A):

1. The transpiration rate of the remaining plants will not decrease.

Option (C):

1. Since, the number of leaves is reduced. Therefore, there will be no increase in the transpiration rate.

Option (D):

1. The prevailing conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and light may affect the rate of transpiration.
2. But in the given case there is no mention of the change in prevailing condition.
3. Therefore, the transpiration rate in the remaining leaves will remain unchanged.

Final answer:

If 50 % of leaves are removed from a plant, the rate of transpiration by the remaining leaves will remain unchanged.