Q37-4TYU - Campbell Biology

Question

Epiphytes are 

(A) fungi that attack plants. 

(B) fungi that form mutualistic associations with roots. 

(C) non photosynthetic parasitic plants. 

(D) plants that grow on other plants.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

1. The option “fungi that attack plants” is false.

2. The option “fungi that form mutualistic associations with roots” is false. 

3.  The option “non-photosynthetic parasitic plants” is false.

4. The option “plants that grow on other plants” is true.

Step 1: Kingdom Plantae

All photosynthetic organisms which comprise roots, leaves, and stems are known as plants. They consist of two main branches called vascular and nonvascular plants. Nonvascular plants are considered lower plants due to the absence of a vascular bundle. Bryophyte is an example of a nonvascular plant. 

Step 2: Explanation of option (A)

Fungi that attack plants are parasitic and cause fungal infection. 

Therefore, parasitic fungi are not epiphytes. 

Thus, the given option is false.

Step 3: Explanation of option (B)

The fungus, when shows mutualism with roots it called mycorrhiza. 

Therefore, the root inhabiting fungi are not epiphytes. 

Thus, the given option is false. 

Step 4: Explanation of option (C)

Non-photosynthetic parasitic plants harm the host plant or depend on another organism for nutrition. Cuscuta campestris and stinking corpse lily are examples of parasitic plants.

Therefore, parasitic plants are not epiphytes. 

Thus, the given option is false. 

Step 5: Explanation of option (D)

The plants that grow on other plants without harming them are called epiphytes. It includes a range of plants such as mosses, liverworts, orchids, lichens, and many other small plants. They absorb the moisture from the air. Some epiphytes show symbiosis with a host plant.

Therefore, epiphytes are nonhazardous plants that grow on other plants. 

Thus, the given option is true.