[Campbell Biology P.810] According to the text and figures, what is a key difference in the ... | Practice Question

According to the text and figures, what is a key difference in the presence of axillary buds between a simple leaf and the leaflets of a compound leaf?

  • A: A simple leaf has an axillary bud at its base, while a leaflet of a compound leaf does not.
  • B: A simple leaf does not have an axillary bud, while a leaflet of a compound leaf does.
  • C: Both simple leaves and leaflets of compound leaves always have axillary buds at their base.
  • D: Neither simple leaves nor leaflets of compound leaves have axillary buds at their base.

Explanation

The section 'Stems' explains that an axillary bud forms in the 'upper angle axil formed by each leaf and the stem.' This refers to the point where a simple leaf's petiole joins the stem, indicating the presence of an axillary bud. Conversely, Figure 35.6's description of compound leaves explicitly states: 'A leaflet has no axillary bud at its base.' Therefore, the key difference is the presence of an axillary bud at the base of a simple leaf, but not at the base of a compound leaf's leaflet.