With reference to aquatic plants, consider the following statements regarding their structure: 1. In aquatic plants, roots are much reduced in size. 2. The main function of roots in aquatic plants is to absorb nutrients from the water. 3. The stems of these plants are long, hollow, and light. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (c). Explanation Aquatic plants, or hydrophytes, have evolved specific morphological and anatomical adaptations to survive in water. These adaptations primarily address the abundance of water, the need for buoyancy, and the requirement for gas exchange, differing significantly from terrestrial plants. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: In aquatic environments, water is readily available to the plant. Therefore, there is no physiological need for an extensive root system to search for or absorb water from deep within the soil. Consequently, the roots of aquatic plants are typically much reduced in size or poorly developed. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: In terrestrial plants, the primary function of roots is the absorption of water and mineral nutrients. However, in aquatic plants, the main function of the roots is to anchor the plant to the substratum (hold the plant in place). Water and minerals are primarily absorbed directly through the general body surface (stems and leaves) rather than solely through the roots. - Statement 3 is Correct: To ensure that leaves and flowers can reach the surface for sunlight and gas exchange, the stems of aquatic plants are modified to be long, hollow, and light. The presence of large air cavities (aerenchyma) in the stem tissues provides buoyancy, allowing the plant to float. Key Takeaway: Hydrophytes are characterized by reduced root systems primarily used for anchorage, and long, hollow stems containing air cavities (aerenchyma) to facilitate buoyancy and gas exchange.

NCERT Class 6 Science — Chapter 4: The living organisms - characteristics and habitats

mcqmedium

With reference to aquatic plants, consider the following statements regarding their structure:

In aquatic plants, roots are much reduced in size.
The main function of roots in aquatic plants is to absorb nutrients from the water.
The stems of these plants are long, hollow, and light.

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

Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Aquatic plants, or hydrophytes, have evolved specific morphological and anatomical adaptations to survive in water. These adaptations primarily address the abundance of water, the need for buoyancy, and the requirement for gas exchange, differing significantly from terrestrial plants.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In aquatic environments, water is readily available to the plant. Therefore, there is no physiological need for an extensive root system to search for or absorb water from deep within the soil. Consequently, the roots of aquatic plants are typically much reduced in size or poorly developed.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In terrestrial plants, the primary function of roots is the absorption of water and mineral nutrients. However, in aquatic plants, the main function of the roots is to anchor the plant to the substratum (hold the plant in place). Water and minerals are primarily absorbed directly through the general body surface (stems and leaves) rather than solely through the roots.
Statement 3 is Correct: To ensure that leaves and flowers can reach the surface for sunlight and gas exchange, the stems of aquatic plants are modified to be long, hollow, and light. The presence of large air cavities (aerenchyma) in the stem tissues provides buoyancy, allowing the plant to float.

Key Takeaway: Hydrophytes are characterized by reduced root systems primarily used for anchorage, and long, hollow stems containing air cavities (aerenchyma) to facilitate buoyancy and gas exchange.

Your note

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Correct Option

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: In aquatic environments, water is readily available to the plant. Therefore, there is no physiological need for an extensive root system to search for or absorb water from deep within the soil. Consequently, the roots of aquatic plants are typically much reduced in size or poorly developed.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In terrestrial plants, the primary function of roots is the absorption of water and mineral nutrients. However, in aquatic plants, the main function of the roots is to anchor the plant to the substratum (hold the plant in place). Water and minerals are primarily absorbed directly through the general body surface (stems and leaves) rather than solely through the roots.
Statement 3 is Correct: To ensure that leaves and flowers can reach the surface for sunlight and gas exchange, the stems of aquatic plants are modified to be long, hollow, and light. The presence of large air cavities (aerenchyma) in the stem tissues provides buoyancy, allowing the plant to float.