Which of the following characteristics are associated with halophyte plants?
I. Presence of pneumatophores
II. Leaves and stem have hairy and waxy covering
III. Shows viviparous germination
IV. Leaves show heterophylly

Options

A. I, II and III are correct
B. I and II are correct
C. II and IV are correct
D. I and III are correct

Answer

To determine which characteristics are associated with halophyte plants, we will analyze each statement one by one.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Presence of Pneumatophores**:
- Halophytes are plants that thrive in saline environments, such as swamps and marshes.
- Pneumatophores are specialized aerial roots that help in respiration by allowing gas exchange in waterlogged conditions.
- **Conclusion**: This characteristic is **correct** for halophytes.

2. **Leaves and Stem Have Hairy and Waxy Covering**:
- To survive in high salinity and prevent water loss, halophytes often have a thick, waxy coating on their leaves and stems.
- This adaptation helps reduce transpiration and protects the plant from salt damage.
- **Conclusion**: This characteristic is **correct** for halophytes.

3. **Shows Viviparous Germination**:
- Viviparous germination refers to seeds germinating while still attached to the parent plant.
- Many halophytes exhibit this type of germination, allowing them to establish themselves in challenging environments before dispersing.
- **Conclusion**: This characteristic is **correct** for halophytes.

4. **Leaves Show Heterophylly**:
- Heterophylly is the phenomenon where a single plant has different leaf shapes, often in response to environmental conditions.
- This characteristic is more commonly associated with aquatic plants rather than halophytes.
- Halophytes typically do not exhibit heterophylly.
- **Conclusion**: This characteristic is **incorrect** for halophytes.

### Final Conclusion:
Based on the analysis:
- The characteristics associated with halophyte plants are:
- I. Presence of pneumatophores (Correct)
- II. Leaves and stem have hairy and waxy covering (Correct)
- III. Shows viviparous germination (Correct)
- IV. Leaves show heterophylly (Incorrect)

Thus, the correct answer is that **I, II, and III are characteristics associated with halophyte plants**.