Heterophylly means

Options

A. The appearance of different forms of leaves on the same plant species
B. The appearance of same form of leaves on different plants
C. The appearance of same form of flower on different plants
D. The appearance of different forms of fruits on the same plant

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Heterophylly**: Heterophylly refers to the occurrence of different types or forms of leaves on the same plant. This phenomenon can occur within a single species, where the leaves can vary in shape, size, or structure.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The question provides four options regarding the meaning of heterophylly:
- Option 1: The appearance of different forms of leaves on the same species.
- Option 2: The appearance of the same form of leaves on different plants.
- Option 3: The appearance of the same form of leaves or flowers on different plants.
- Option 4: The appearance of different forms of fruits on the same plant.

3. **Analyzing the Correct Option**: To determine which option correctly defines heterophylly, we need to focus on the key aspect of heterophylly, which is the variation in leaf morphology on the same plant.

4. **Selecting the Right Answer**: Based on the definition, the correct answer is:
- **Option 1**: The appearance of different forms of leaves on the same species.

5. **Conclusion**: Heterophylly is an example of plasticity in plants, where environmental factors can lead to different leaf forms on the same plant, demonstrating how plants can adapt their morphology based on various conditions.

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