The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author B VENKAT

Question

In a nitrogen-limited ecosystem, which of the following adaptations would be MOST advantageous for a plant?

B VENKAT · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Plant adaptations to nutrient limitations
 **Related Topics**: Nitrogen cycle, plant nutrition, symbiotic relationships
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of plant physiology and nutrient requirements.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The ecosystem is nitrogen-limited.
  The question asks for the MOST advantageous adaptation for a plant.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option's relevance to nitrogen acquisition.
  Reasoning: Nitrogen is a crucial element for plant growth, essential for protein synthesis and nucleic acid formation.  A nitrogen-limited environment means plants must adapt to acquire sufficient nitrogen.
 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of each adaptation in a nitrogen-limited environment.
  Working:
  A. Increased leaf surface area enhances light capture, improving photosynthesis, but doesn't directly address nitrogen deficiency.
  B. Deeper root systems improve water uptake, but don't necessarily provide access to more nitrogen.
  C. Symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria directly addresses the nitrogen limitation.  These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) into usable forms like ammonia ($NH_3$) or nitrates ($NO_3^-$), supplying the plant with a vital nutrient.
  D. A thicker cuticle reduces water loss, which is beneficial in arid conditions, but is irrelevant to nitrogen availability.
 3. Identify the adaptation that most effectively addresses the nitrogen limitation.
  Result: Symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria (option C) is the most advantageous adaptation.
  Verification:  The other options offer benefits, but they are not directly related to overcoming the specific challenge of nitrogen deficiency.  Only option C provides a direct solution.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Increased leaf surface area improves light capture for photosynthesis, but doesn't solve the nitrogen deficiency.
B :x: Deeper roots help with water absorption but don't directly address the nitrogen limitation.
C ✓: Symbiotic nitrogen fixation directly provides the plant with the limiting nutrient, nitrogen.
D :x: Thicker cuticle reduces water loss but is unrelated to nitrogen acquisition.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing nitrogen acquisition with other plant needs (water, light): Focusing on adaptations that address water or light availability instead of nitrogen.
   How to avoid: Carefully read the question and identify the specific limiting factor (nitrogen).
  2.Overlooking the importance of symbiotic relationships in nutrient acquisition:  Not recognizing the crucial role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
   How to avoid: Understand the various ways plants obtain nutrients, including symbiotic relationships.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.In nutrient-limited ecosystems, look for adaptations directly related to the acquisition of the limiting nutrient.
  2.Remember that symbiotic relationships can be crucial for nutrient uptake.

B VENKAT · Answer

Increased leaf surface area for enhanced light capture

B VENKAT · Answer

Deeper root systems for accessing groundwater

B VENKAT · Answer

The correct Option is "Symbiotic association with nitrogen-fixing bacteria"

B VENKAT · Answer

Thicker cuticle to reduce water loss

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