Q.8 Which of the following are produced by Mangrove trees to survive in the
waterlogged swampy forests?
(A) Trichomes
(B) Pneumatophores
(C) Spermatophores
(D) Cambia
Mangrove Trees Pneumatophores: Key Adaptation in Waterlogged Swamps
Mangrove trees produce pneumatophores to survive in waterlogged swampy forests. These specialized roots enable gas exchange in oxygen-poor soils. This adaptation is crucial for their thriving in harsh coastal environments.
Correct Answer
The correct option is (B) Pneumatophores. Mangrove trees develop these upward-growing aerial roots to access atmospheric oxygen in anaerobic, waterlogged sediments typical of swampy forests. Pneumatophores feature lenticels for efficient gas exchange, compensating for low oxygen availability in submerged soils.
Option Explanations
(A) Trichomes
Trichomes are hair-like structures on plant surfaces, primarily aiding in reducing water loss, deterring herbivores, or reflecting sunlight. They do not specifically help mangroves combat waterlogging but contribute to general stress tolerance like salinity.
(B) Pneumatophores
These are specialized, pencil-shaped roots that protrude above the soil surface in mangroves like Avicennia and Sonneratia. They facilitate respiration by absorbing oxygen through lenticels when underground roots are submerged in hypoxic mud.
(C) Spermatophores
Spermatophores are packets of sperm produced by certain animals, such as arthropods, for reproduction. Plants, including mangroves, do not produce them; this option is unrelated to mangrove adaptations.
(D) Cambia
Cambia refer to lateral meristems in vascular plants responsible for secondary growth, thickening stems and roots. While present in mangroves, they are not unique adaptations for surviving waterlogged conditions.
