Which of the following have true stems?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restated: Which of the following have true stems?

Option a. whisk ferns (Psilotum): The whisk ferns are very simplified vascular plants. They branch dichotomously and lack true leaves, roots, and a complex arrangement of tissues seen in typical stems. In many introductory descriptions, their body is described more like a simple axis rather than a fully developed stem with specialized tissues, which is why this option is considered not to have a 'true stem' in the sense used for the other groups.

Option b. ground pines (Lycopodium): Ground pines possess an upright stem bearing leaves (microphylls) and a vascular system. This fits the classic concept of a true stem with organized vascular tissue and the ability to conduct water and nutrients, so this is typically counted as a true stem.

Option c. spike mosses (Selaginella): Spike mosses also have an upright stem with vascular tissue and microphyll leaves. Like Lycopodium, they exhibit a bona fide stem structure rather than a mere rhizome or thallus, so this is considered a true stem.

Option d. All of the above: This would be true only if A, B, and C all had true stems. Since the reasoning above treats A as not having a true stem, this option is not accurate.

Option e. BOTH B and C: This option claims that only B and C have true stems. Given the typical interpretation that both Lycopodium and Selaginella have true stems, while Psilotum (whisk ferns) are viewed as lacking a conventional true stem in the sense used here, this option aligns with the standard answer key.

Summary of reasoning:
- A (Psilotum) is considered not to have a conventional true stem by many definitions used in introductory botany, so it is not counted as a true stem here.
- B (Lycopodium) has a defined stem with vascular tissue and leaves, so it is a true stem.
- C (Selaginella) also has a defined stem with vascular tissue, so it is a true stem.
- D is incorrect because it asserts that A also has a true stem.
- E is correct because it states that B and C have true stems, excluding A.

Note: If a curriculum defines Psilotum differently and counts its axis as a true stem, then the answer could differ. The explanation above follows the common textbook distinction used in many plant anatomy questions where Psilotum is treated as lacking a conventional true stem.

IB 103 All SP25: Introduction to Plant Biology (Bush, D)

Which of the following have true stems?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

In the lab we saw several plants which produce a thallus. What is a thallus?

Which of the following are key characteristics of a tree? (multiple answers)

Select all of the following that are true:

Canola flowers form in groups (racemes) and ...

What structure can the lateral (axillary) bud give rise to (check all that apply)?

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler