Question Bank — Morphology of Flowering Plants

Section A — MCQs (10 questions, 1 mark each)

1. The root system in which the primary root is short-lived and replaced by a large number of roots originating from the base of the stem is called:
   (a) Tap root system (b) Fibrous root system (c) Adventitious root system (d) Lateral root system

2. The region of the root immediately above the region of elongation where epidermal cells form root hairs is:
   (a) Region of meristematic activity (b) Region of maturation (c) Root cap (d) Region of differentiation

3. In which type of phyllotaxy does a single leaf arise at each node in an alternate manner?
   (a) Opposite (b) Whorled (c) Alternate (d) Both (a) and (b)

4. When the main axis of inflorescence continues to grow and flowers are borne laterally in acropetal succession, the inflorescence is:
   (a) Cymose (b) Racemose (c) Solitary (d) Capitulum

5. A flower in which the gynoecium occupies the highest position and the ovary is superior is described as:
   (a) Perigynous (b) Epigynous (c) Hypogynous (d) None of these

6. The mode of arrangement of sepals or petals in a floral bud with respect to other members of the same whorl is called:
   (a) Venation (b) Placentation (c) Aestivation (d) Phyllotaxy

7. In pea and bean flowers, the largest petal overlaps the two lateral petals which in turn overlap the two smallest anterior petals. This aestivation is:
   (a) Valvate (b) Twisted (c) Imbricate (d) Vexillary

8. Assertion (A): In Solanaceae, stamens are epipetalous.
   Reason (R): Stamens are attached to the petals.
   (1) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   (2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (3) A is true but R is false.
   (4) A is false but R is true.

9. Assertion (A): In marginal placentation, ovules are borne in two rows on the placenta forming a ridge along the ventral suture.
   Reason (R): This type of placentation is seen in pea.
   (1) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
   (2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
   (3) A is true but R is false.
   (4) A is false but R is true.

10. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of monocotyledonous seeds?
    (a) Two fleshy cotyledons (b) Presence of coleoptile and coleorhiza (c) Non-endospermic nature in all cases (d) Reticulate venation in leaves

Section B — Very Short Answer (6 questions, 2 marks each)

1. Differentiate between tap root system and fibrous root system with one example of each.
2. What are adventitious roots? Give two examples.
3. Define venation. Differentiate between reticulate and parallel venation.
4. What is the difference between a simple leaf and a compound leaf?
5. Define inflorescence. Name the two major types based on whether the main axis terminates in a flower or not.
6. What is aestivation? Name any two types with one example each.

Section C — Short Answer (5 questions, 3 marks each)

1. Describe the three regions of a typical root with the help of a labelled diagram of the root tip.
2. Explain the three types of phyllotaxy with one example of each.
3. Differentiate between racemose and cymose inflorescence.
4. Describe the position of floral parts on the thalamus with examples of hypogynous, perigynous and epigynous flowers.
5. What is placentation? Describe marginal and axile placentation with examples.

Section D — Long Answer (3 questions, 5 marks each)

1. Describe the structure of a typical dicotyledonous seed with a labelled diagram. How does it differ from a monocotyledonous seed?
2. Describe the parts of a typical angiosperm flower. Explain the terms actinomorphic, zygomorphic, bracteate, hypogynous and syncarpous with examples.
3. Give a semi-technical description of a plant belonging to the family Solanaceae. Draw its floral diagram and write the floral formula.

Section E — Case/Source-Based (2 questions, 4 marks each)

Case 1: A student observes a plant with the following features: underground part consisting of many roots arising from the base of the stem, leaves with parallel venation, and flowers arranged in racemose inflorescence. The plant is a monocot.
(a) Identify the type of root system. (1 mark)
(b) What type of venation is expected in its leaves? (1 mark)
(c) Name the two major types of inflorescence and state which one is present here. (1 mark)
(d) Give one example of such a plant mentioned in the chapter. (1 mark)

Case 2: In a flower, the ovary is situated in the centre and other floral parts arise on the rim of the thalamus at the same level. After fertilisation, the ovary develops into a fruit.
(a) What is the position of the ovary called? Give one example. (1 mark)
(b) Name the structure that develops from the ovules after fertilisation. (1 mark)
(c) If the pericarp is differentiated into epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp, what type of fruit is formed? Give one example. (1 mark)
(d) What term is used for a fruit formed without fertilisation? (1 mark)