Consider the following statements about fungal spores: 1. They are generally present in the air. 2. They require dry and cold conditions to germinate. 3. They are the reproductive units of the fungi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that reproduce primarily through the release of spores. These spores act as biological particles for dispersal and propagation, functioning analogously to seeds in plants. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: Fungal spores are microscopic and extremely lightweight. This allows them to remain suspended in the atmosphere and be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. Consequently, they are generally ubiquitous in the air. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Fungal spores require warm and humid (moist) conditions to germinate and grow. Dry and cold conditions are unfavorable for germination and are typically used to inhibit fungal growth (e.g., refrigeration). - Statement 3 is Correct: Spores are the fundamental reproductive units of fungi. Upon landing on a suitable substrate with adequate moisture and temperature, they germinate to form new fungal filaments (hyphae). Key Takeaway: Fungal spores are airborne reproductive structures that necessitate moisture and warmth for germination; they remain dormant or fail to grow in dry and cold environments.

NCERT Class 7 Science — Chapter 1: Nutrition in plants

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Consider the following statements about fungal spores:

They are generally present in the air.
They require dry and cold conditions to germinate.
They are the reproductive units of the fungi.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that reproduce primarily through the release of spores. These spores act as biological particles for dispersal and propagation, functioning analogously to seeds in plants.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Fungal spores are microscopic and extremely lightweight. This allows them to remain suspended in the atmosphere and be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. Consequently, they are generally ubiquitous in the air.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Fungal spores require warm and humid (moist) conditions to germinate and grow. Dry and cold conditions are unfavorable for germination and are typically used to inhibit fungal growth (e.g., refrigeration).
Statement 3 is Correct: Spores are the fundamental reproductive units of fungi. Upon landing on a suitable substrate with adequate moisture and temperature, they germinate to form new fungal filaments (hyphae).

Key Takeaway:
Fungal spores are airborne reproductive structures that necessitate moisture and warmth for germination; they remain dormant or fail to grow in dry and cold environments.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Nutrition in plants

With reference to the mode of nutrition in living organisms, consider the following statements: 1. Autotrophic nutrition is the mode where organisms take in food prepared by others. 2. Animals are classified as heterotrophs. 3. The term ‘heterotrophs’ refers to organisms that depend on others for nourishment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to the cell structure described in the text, consider the following statements: 1. The cell membrane encloses the cell and controls the movement of substances. 2. The nucleus is a jelly-like substance that fills the entire cell. 3. Cytoplasm is the hard outer covering found only in plant cells. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements about algae: 1. They are generally formed by the growth of organisms in stagnant water. 2. They appear green because they lack chlorophyll. 3. They are autotrophs and can prepare their own food. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding insectivorous plants like the Pitcher plant: 1. They trap insects primarily to obtain carbohydrates. 2. They contain chlorophyll and can perform photosynthesis. 3. The pitcher-like structure is a modified part of the leaf. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to saprotrophic nutrition, consider the following statements: 1. It is a mode of nutrition where organisms take in nutrients from dead and decaying matter. 2. Fungi ingest dead matter directly without secreting digestive juices. 3. All fungi are harmful and cause spoilage of food and diseases. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: Fungal spores are microscopic and extremely lightweight. This allows them to remain suspended in the atmosphere and be dispersed by wind, water, or animals. Consequently, they are generally ubiquitous in the air.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Fungal spores require warm and humid (moist) conditions to germinate and grow. Dry and cold conditions are unfavorable for germination and are typically used to inhibit fungal growth (e.g., refrigeration).
Statement 3 is Correct: Spores are the fundamental reproductive units of fungi. Upon landing on a suitable substrate with adequate moisture and temperature, they germinate to form new fungal filaments (hyphae).

Key Takeaway:
Fungal spores are airborne reproductive structures that necessitate moisture and warmth for germination; they remain dormant or fail to grow in dry and cold environments.