[Campbell Biology P.824] The aquatic plant Cabomba aquatica exhibits developmental plasticit... | Practice Question

The aquatic plant Cabomba aquatica exhibits developmental plasticity. Which statement best describes this phenomenon as presented in the text?

  • A: Different genotypes of Cabomba produce different leaf types depending on the environment.
  • B: Cabomba plants alter their genetic code in response to submerged or surface conditions, leading to different leaf forms.
  • C: Despite having genetically identical cells, Cabomba forms two distinct leaf types (feathery underwater, pad-like surface) influenced by the environment.
  • D: Developmental plasticity is a common adaptation in animals, allowing them to escape adverse conditions by changing their form.

Explanation

Developmental plasticity refers to the ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes in response to varying environmental conditions. The text explains that Cabomba aquatica, despite having genetically identical cells, forms two very different types of leaves feathery underwater and pad-like surface depending on whether the shoot apical meristem is submerged. This directly illustrates developmental plasticity.