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Question #46823
The Question
Analyze the following statements regarding the anatomical and evolutionary significance of Heartwood (duramen): I. It comprises dead elements with highly lignified walls and tyloses, providing mechanical support rather than water conduction. II. The independent evolution of dense, non-conducting central wood in unrelated tall tree species to resist gravity is an example of divergent evolution. III. Functionally, the mechanical reinforcement provided by heartwood in plants and ossified endoskeletons in terrestrial vertebrates can be considered analogous structures. IV. Heartwood formation is a homologous trait shared by all vascular plants due to their common ancestry.
Choose the correct option:
Options
- A.
Statements I and III are correct
- B.
Statements I, II, and III are correct
- C.
Statements II and IV are correct
- D.
Statements I and IV are correct
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Heartwood|Analogous Organ Structure|Evolutionary Chronology
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating Plant Anatomy with Evolutionary Biology.
Students often confuse physiological adaptations (like secondary growth modifications) with deep phylogenetic homologies.
The trap lies in assuming all vascular plants share heartwood (ignoring monocots/pteridophytes) and failing to recognize that cross-kingdom functional similarities (plant wood vs animal bone) represent analogy (convergent evolution) rather than homology.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Anatomy of Flowering Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Heartwood vs Sapwood |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |