A plant is observed to have deep roots and tendrils that wrap around objects. Which pair of tropisms correctly describe these responses?
a
hydrotropism and thigmotropism
b
phototropism and thigmotropism
c
geotropism and phototropism
d
hydrotropism and geotropism
To determine the correct pair of tropisms that describe the observed responses of a plant with deep roots and tendrils that wrap around objects, we need to understand the definitions of the tropisms involved.
1. Hydrotropism: A tropism that involves the growth or movement of a plant in response to water or moisture. This means that the plant would grow towards or away from water sources.
2. Thigmotropism: A tropism that involves the growth or movement of a plant in response to touch or physical contact with an object. This means that the plant would respond by growing or wrapping itself around objects for support or attachment.
3. Phototropism: A tropism that involves the growth or movement of a plant in response to light. This means that the plant would either grow towards a light source (positive phototropism) or away from it (negative phototropism).
4. Geotropism: A tropism that involves the growth or movement of a plant in response to gravity. This means that the plant would either grow towards gravity (positive geotropism) or against gravity (negative geotropism).
Now, considering the options provided:
a) Hydrotropism and thigmotropism: This option correctly describes the observed responses. The plant's deep roots indicate a growth towards the water source (hydrotropism), and the tendrils wrapping around objects indicate a response to physical contact or touch (thigmotropism).
b) Phototropism and thigmotropism: This option does not adequately describe the observed responses. While thigmotropism is applicable, there is no indication of the plant's growth or movement in response to light.
c) Geotropism and phototropism: This option does not accurately describe the observed responses. There is no indication of the plant's growth response to gravity (geotropism), and there is no mention of the plant's growth in response to light (phototropism).
d) Hydrotropism and geotropism: This option does not fully describe the observed responses. While hydrotropism could apply, there is no indication of the plant's growth in response to gravity.
Thus, the correct pair of tropisms that describe the observed responses of a plant with deep roots and tendrils that wrap around objects is option a) hydrotropism and thigmotropism.