Carboxyl group in benzoic acid is o-and plm director.

Explanation

To determine whether the carboxyl group in benzoic acid is an ortho, para, or meta directing group, we need to analyze its effects on the electron density of the aromatic ring during electrophilic substitution reactions.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Structure of Benzoic Acid**:
- Benzoic acid consists of a benzene ring attached to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).
- The carboxylic acid group is electron-withdrawing due to its electronegative oxygen atoms.

...