Which of the following statements are correct about heartwood?
(i). It does not help in water conduction
(ii). It is also called alburnum
(iii). It is light in colour and is very soft
(iv). It has tracheray elements which are filled with tannins, resins etc.

Options

A. (ii) and (iv)
B. (i), (ii) and (iii)
C. (ii), (iii) and (iv)
D. (i) and (iv)

Answer

To determine which statements about heartwood are correct, we will analyze each statement one by one based on the characteristics of heartwood.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Heartwood**:
- Heartwood is the central, non-conducting part of a tree's secondary xylem. It is formed as the tree ages and the inner xylem becomes filled with substances like tannins and resins.

2. **Analyzing Statement (i)**:
- **Statement**: It does not help in water conduction.
- **Analysis**: This statement is **true**. Heartwood is composed of dead cells and does not conduct water or minerals.

3. **Analyzing Statement (ii)**:
- **Statement**: It is also called alburnum.
- **Analysis**: This statement is **false**. Alburnum refers to sapwood, which is the younger, outer part of the xylem that is still active in water conduction.

4. **Analyzing Statement (iii)**:
- **Statement**: It is light in color and is very soft.
- **Analysis**: This statement is **false**. Heartwood is typically darker in color and is quite tough due to the deposition of lignin and other materials.

5. **Analyzing Statement (iv)**:
- **Statement**: It has tracheary elements which are filled with tannins, resins, etc.
- **Analysis**: This statement is **true**. Heartwood contains tracheary elements that are filled with tannins, resins, and other organic materials.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct statements about heartwood are (i) and (iv). Therefore, the answer is that the correct statements are the first and the fourth.

### Final Answer:
The correct statements about heartwood are (i) and (iv).

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