Which of the following is a correct pair ?

Options

A. Cuscuta - parasite
B. Vallisneria - insectivorous
C. Opuntia - mesophyte
D. Capsella - hydrophyte

Answer

To solve the question "Which of the following is a correct pair?", we will analyze each option step by step:

### Step 1: Analyze Option 1 - Cascuta
- **Cascuta** (also known as Dodder) is an obligate stem parasite.
- It **lacks chlorophyll**, meaning it cannot perform photosynthesis and is not green in color.
- It is **totally dependent on its host** for nutrients and water, as it does not have any connection with the soil.
- It **pierces the host plant's stem** to extract nutrients.
- **Conclusion**: This is a correct pair as Cascuta is indeed a parasite.

### Step 2: Analyze Option 2 - Valisneria
- **Valisneria** is a submerged hydrophyte.
- It is a **dioecious plant**, meaning it has separate male and female plants.
- Male flowers float on the surface, while female flowers are submerged and have long stalks that reach the surface.
- The pollination method is **Ephidrophilae**, where pollen is transferred from male to female flowers.
- **Conclusion**: This is an incorrect match as it is not an insectivorous plant.

### Step 3: Analyze Option 3 - Opuntia
- **Opuntia** is a type of cactus (phylocleid) with a flat swollen green stem.
- It has adaptations like **leafy spines** to reduce water loss, indicating it is a **xerophyte**.
- It thrives in arid conditions and is not classified as a mesophyte.
- **Conclusion**: This is also an incorrect match.

### Step 4: Analyze Option 4 - Capsula
- **Capsula** is a herbaceous plant belonging to the mustard family (Brassicaceae).
- It is not a hydrophyte, which means it does not grow in aquatic environments.
- **Conclusion**: This is an incorrect match.

### Final Conclusion
After analyzing all options, the only correct pair is **Option 1: Cascuta (Dodder) - Parasite**.

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