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Morphology of Flowering Plants

Adaptive Modifications Practice Questions

20 free Adaptive Modifications practice questions for the NCERT Biology. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

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Question 1 of 20 Medium

Which modification of root helps plants survive in waterlogged soils by facilitating gaseous exchange?

  1. A Storage roots
  2. B Prop roots
  3. C Pneumatophores
  4. D Climbing roots

Correct answer: Pneumatophores

Pneumatophores are specialized aerial roots that grow upward in waterlogged soils. They contain lenticels that allow oxygen intake for respiration.

Question 2 of 20 Medium

Prop roots in plants like banyan primarily function to:

  1. A Absorb atmospheric nitrogen from the air
  2. B Provide additional mechanical support
  3. C Store reserve food in swollen tissues
  4. D Aid in vegetative reproduction of the plant

Correct answer: Provide additional mechanical support

Prop roots arise from branches and grow downward into the soil. They support heavy branches and stabilize the plant.

Question 3 of 20 Medium

Which stem modification enables plants to store food and survive unfavorable seasons?

  1. A Tendril
  2. B Thorn
  3. C Rhizome
  4. D Phylloclade

Correct answer: Rhizome

Rhizomes are underground stems that store food and bear nodes and internodes. They help the plant perennate during adverse conditions.

Question 4 of 20 Medium

Phylloclades are modified stems that mainly perform:

  1. A Absorption of water
  2. B Photosynthesis
  3. C Climbing
  4. D Reproduction

Correct answer: Photosynthesis

Phylloclades are flattened or cylindrical stems that take over photosynthesis. This adaptation is common in xerophytic plants.

Question 5 of 20 Medium

Which leaf modification reduces transpiration in xerophytic plants?

  1. A Broad lamina
  2. B Spines
  3. C Compound leaves
  4. D Large stomata

Correct answer: Spines

Spines reduce the surface area available for transpiration. They help conserve water in dry habitats.

Question 6 of 20 Medium

Tendrils in plants like pea are modifications of:

  1. A Roots
  2. B Stems
  3. C Leaves
  4. D Flowers

Correct answer: Leaves

In pea plants, leaf tendrils are modified leaflets. They help the plant climb and gain better exposure to light.

Question 7 of 20 Medium

Which modification allows epiphytic plants to absorb moisture from the atmosphere?

  1. A Broad, flat lamina for photosynthesis
  2. B Leaf spines to reduce surface area
  3. C Compound leaves with many leaflets
  4. D Enlarged stomatal pores for gas exchange

Correct answer: Leaf spines to reduce surface area

Spines reduce the surface area available for transpiration. They help conserve water in dry habitats.

Question 8 of 20 Medium

Thorns in plants like Bougainvillea are modified:

  1. A Leaves
  2. B Roots
  3. C Stems
  4. D Flowers

Correct answer: Stems

Thorns are modified stems that provide protection against herbivores. They also reduce water loss in some plants.

Question 9 of 20 Medium

Which leaf modification helps insectivorous plants trap insects?

  1. A Spines for plant self-protection
  2. B Hooks for surface attachment only
  3. C Pitchers for trapping insects only
  4. D Scales for reserve food storage here

Correct answer: Pitchers for trapping insects only

In plants like Nepenthes, leaves are modified into pitchers. These structures trap insects to supplement nitrogen nutrition.

Question 10 of 20 Medium

The primary function of haustorial roots in parasitic plants is to:

  1. A Store carbohydrates for the host plant cells
  2. B Absorb water and nutrients from the host
  3. C Provide mechanical anchorage to the soil
  4. D Carry out photosynthesis in shade habitats

Correct answer: Absorb water and nutrients from the host

Haustorial roots penetrate host tissues to absorb water and nutrients. This adaptation allows parasitic plants to survive.

Question 11 of 20 Medium

Bulbs such as onion are modified stems characterized by:

  1. A Modified leaves with a stipular origin
  2. B Modified roots growing from the node base
  3. C Modified stems that bear axillary buds
  4. D Modified floral parts with reproductive tissue

Correct answer: Modified stems that bear axillary buds

Thorns in Bougainvillea are modified stems that bear axillary buds. They provide protection against herbivores and may reduce water loss.

Question 12 of 20 Medium

Which adaptive modification enables plants like Opuntia to survive in deserts?

  1. A Broad photosynthetic leaf blade
  2. B Flattened green phylloclade stem
  3. C Dense fibrous root mat underground
  4. D Cluster of aerial support roots

Correct answer: Flattened green phylloclade stem

In Opuntia, the stem is modified into a phylloclade for photosynthesis. Leaves are reduced to spines to minimize water loss.

Question 13 of 20 Medium

Floating leaves in aquatic plants like lotus show which adaptive feature?

  1. A Thick waxy cuticle covers the leaf surface
  2. B Sunken stomata reduce the water loss rate
  3. C Waxy coating with stomata on upper surface
  4. D Reduced surface area to limit evaporation

Correct answer: Waxy coating with stomata on upper surface

Floating leaves possess a waxy coating and stomata on the upper surface. This facilitates gas exchange and prevents waterlogging.

Question 14 of 20 Medium

Which stem modification aids in vegetative propagation?

  1. A Tendril
  2. B Runner
  3. C Thorn
  4. D Cladode

Correct answer: Runner

Runners are horizontally growing stems that produce new plants at nodes. This enables rapid vegetative propagation.

Question 15 of 20 Medium

In plants like cotton, seeds possess hairs primarily for:

  1. A Protection from predators
  2. B Water absorption
  3. C Wind dispersal
  4. D Food storage

Correct answer: Wind dispersal

Hairy outgrowths increase the surface area of seeds. This facilitates wind dispersal to new habitats.

Question 16 of 20 Medium

Which modification of leaves helps in storage of food?

  1. A Sharp leaf spines
  2. B Fleshy scale leaves
  3. C Coiling leaf tendrils
  4. D Pitcher-shaped leaves

Correct answer: Fleshy scale leaves

Scale leaves, as seen in bulbs, store reserve food. They also protect the bud during adverse conditions.

Question 17 of 20 Medium

Climbing roots in plants like ivy primarily function to:

  1. A Absorb water and nutrients from the host plant
  2. B Store food in swollen underground root tissues
  3. C Provide support by clinging firmly to surfaces
  4. D Carry out aerobic respiration through lenticels

Correct answer: Provide support by clinging firmly to surfaces

Climbing roots attach the plant to walls or supports. They help the plant climb and access sunlight.

Question 18 of 20 Medium

Which adaptive modification allows plants to survive saline marshy conditions?

  1. A Prop roots
  2. B Storage roots
  3. C Pneumatophores
  4. D Tuberous roots

Correct answer: Pneumatophores

Pneumatophores help plants growing in saline, marshy soils to respire. They protrude above the soil surface for gas exchange.

Question 19 of 20 Medium

Which of the following is an example of leaf modified into a tendril?

  1. A Bougainvillea (modified stem thorns)
  2. B Pea (modified leaf tendrils)
  3. C Cactus (modified leaf spines)
  4. D Onion (modified leaf scales)

Correct answer: Pea (modified leaf tendrils)

In pea plants (Pisum sativum), upper leaflets are modified into tendrils. These help the plant climb and support itself.

Question 20 of 20 Medium

Overall, adaptive modifications in plant morphology mainly help plants to:

  1. A Increase genetic variation in a population
  2. B Survive and reproduce in diverse environments
  3. C Reduce overall metabolic energy expenditure
  4. D Eliminate competition from nearby plant species

Correct answer: Survive and reproduce in diverse environments

Adaptive modifications enable plants to cope with environmental challenges. They enhance survival, growth, and reproductive success in varied habitats.

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