Q.69 Match List I with List II
| LIST I | LIST II |
|---|---|
| A. Therophytes B. Geophytes C. Chamaephytes D. Phanerophytes | I. Buds are located above ground but low enough to not be exposed to strong wind. II. Buds are located high, on shoots at least 25 to 30 cm above the ground level. III. Annual life span, survive stress as seed. IV. Buds are underground as rhizomes, bulbs, corms. |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
(A) A-III, B-I, C-II, D-IV
(B) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
(C) A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
(D) A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
Therophytes, geophytes, chamaephytes, and phanerophytes are key categories in Raunkiaer’s life-form classification system, which groups plants based on the position of their renewing buds relative to the soil surface for surviving unfavorable seasons.
Correct Matching
The accurate pairing is A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II, corresponding to option (B). Therophytes survive as seeds (III), geophytes have underground buds like rhizomes or bulbs (IV), chamaephytes position buds low above ground (I), and phanerophytes elevate buds high on woody shoots (II).
Definitions Explained
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Therophytes (A): Annual plants completing their life cycle in one favorable season, enduring stress (e.g., drought, cold) solely as seeds in the soil seed bank.
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Geophytes (B): Perennials with buds (rhizomes, bulbs, corms) buried underground, protecting them from surface extremes.
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Chamaephytes (C): Low-growing shrubs or perennials (under 25-30 cm) with buds positioned just above soil, shielded from wind within the boundary layer.
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Phanerophytes (D): Trees, shrubs, or lianas with buds on persistent shoots raised 25-30 cm or more above ground, suited to milder climates.
Option Analysis
| Option | A-Therophytes | B-Geophytes | C-Chamaephytes | D-Phanerophytes | Correct? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (A) | III (✓) | I (✗) | II (✗) | IV (✗) | No |
| (B) | III (✓) | IV (✓) | I (✓) | II (✓) | Yes |
| (C) | IV (✗) | III (✗) | II (✗) | I (✗) | No |
| (D) | IV (✗) | II (✗) | I (✓) | III (✗) | No |
Option (B) alone matches all definitions precisely, as therophytes rely on seed dormancy rather than buds, unlike the others.
Therophytes geophytes chamaephytes phanerophytes represent core Raunkiaer life form classification categories, pivotal for understanding plant adaptations to stress in exams like NEET. This guide solves a classic matching question (Q.69 style), explains each type, and analyzes options for perfect scoring.
Raunkiaer System Overview
Danish botanist C. Raunkiaer classified plants by perennial bud position, predicting survival strategies in harsh climates. Therophytes geophytes chamaephytes phanerophytes dominate spectra: deserts favor therophytes, forests phanerophytes.
Detailed Definitions
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Therophytes: Annuals surviving as seeds (III); no vegetative buds—ideal for disturbed, arid soils. Example: Many weeds.
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Geophytes: Underground buds (IV) in bulbs/rhizomes; common in temperate meadows. Example: Onion, tulip.
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Chamaephytes: Low buds (I, <30 cm above soil); cushions against wind/frost. Example: Alpine shrubs.
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Phanerophytes: High buds (II, >25-30 cm); woody perennials in stable habitats. Example: Trees like oak.
Question Solution: Match List I with List II
List I: A. Therophytes, B. Geophytes, C. Chamaephytes, D. Phanerophytes
List II: I. Low above-ground buds; II. High buds (>25-30 cm); III. Annuals as seeds; IV. Underground buds.
Correct: (B) A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II. This aligns bud positions accurately—therophytes uniquely seed-based.
Why Other Options Fail
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(A): Mismatches geophytes/chamaephytes.
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(C)/(D): Confuse therophytes with bud types.
Full table above confirms (B).
Exam Tips
Practice spectra: Temperate > hemicryptophytes; arid > therophytes.
