Excessive aerenchyma is characteristic feature of

Options

A. Heliophytes
B. Xerophytes
C. Mesophytes
D. Hydrophytes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Aerenchyma**: Aerenchyma is a type of parenchyma tissue that contains air spaces, which allows for gas exchange and buoyancy in aquatic plants.

2. **Identifying Plant Types**: The question provides four options:
- A) Heliophytes (plants that thrive in bright sunlight)
- B) Xerophytes (plants adapted to dry environments)
- C) Mesophytes (plants that grow in moderate moisture)
- D) Hydrophytes (plants that grow in water)

3. **Relating Aerenchyma to Plant Types**:
- Heliophytes and xerophytes do not typically require aerenchyma because they do not grow in water.
- Mesophytes also do not have excessive aerenchyma as they are adapted to environments with moderate moisture.

4. **Conclusion**: Hydrophytes are specifically adapted to aquatic environments and possess excessive aerenchyma to facilitate buoyancy and gas exchange. This adaptation allows them to store oxygen produced during photosynthesis and provide it to their roots and other non-photosynthetic regions.

5. **Final Answer**: Therefore, the correct answer is **D) Hydrophytes**.

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