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Question
Some plants exhibit a behavior called thigmotropism that causes the plant to grow or move in response to touch or contact. Climbing vines use this behavior to grow tendrils that curl around other plants for support. What is the MOST likely reason a climbing vine would evolve this ability?
Responses
A to help ensure seeds are widely dispersedto help ensure seeds are widely dispersed
B to absorb water and food from the host plantsto absorb water and food from the host plants
C to grow roots needed to absorb water and nutrientsto grow roots needed to absorb water and nutrients
D to grow high off the ground in order to maximize sunlight exposure
B to absorb water and food from the host plants
The MOST likely reason a climbing vine would evolve the ability of thigmotropism is:
B) to absorb water and food from the host plants
To determine the most likely reason a climbing vine would evolve the ability of thigmotropism, we need to understand the function or benefits this behavior provides. Thigmotropism allows the plant to grow tendrils that curl around other plants for support. Using this information, we can analyze the given options.
Option A suggests that thigmotropism helps ensure seeds are widely dispersed. However, this is unlikely as thigmotropism primarily aids in providing structural support to the plant, rather than aiding in seed dispersal.
Option B proposes that thigmotropism helps the climbing vine absorb water and food from the host plants. While it is true that climbing vines can utilize the support of other plants to reach sunlight and gain access to additional resources, this is not the primary function of thigmotropism.
Option C suggests that thigmotropism allows the climbing vine to grow roots needed to absorb water and nutrients. However, thigmotropism does not directly contribute to root growth or the absorption of water and nutrients.
Option D, on the other hand, suggests that thigmotropism enables the climbing vine to grow high off the ground in order to maximize sunlight exposure. This option aligns with the primary function of thigmotropism, as it allows the vine to secure itself to taller structures, thus providing greater access to sunlight and promoting efficient photosynthesis.
Therefore, the most likely reason a climbing vine would evolve the ability of thigmotropism is to grow high off the ground in order to maximize sunlight exposure.