Monotropa is a
(a) Saprophyte
(b) Symbiont
(c) Parasite
(d) Insectivorous plant

Options

A. Saprophyte
B. Symbiont
C. Parasite
D. Insectivorous plant

Answer

To determine what Monotropa is, we can analyze the options provided:

1. **Understanding Monotropa**:
- Monotropa uniflora, commonly known as the Indian pipe, is a low-lying wildflower that lacks chlorophyll.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **(a) Saprophyte**: Saprophytes are organisms that feed on dead and decaying organic matter. Since Monotropa cannot synthesize its own food due to the lack of chlorophyll, it relies on dead and decaying matter for nutrition. This suggests that Monotropa fits the definition of a saprophyte.
- **(b) Symbiont**: Symbionts are organisms that live in a mutually beneficial relationship with another organism. Monotropa does not fit this description as it does not engage in a symbiotic relationship.
- **(c) Parasite**: Parasites depend on a host organism for nutrients, often harming the host in the process. Monotropa does not harm another organism for its nutrition, so it is not a parasite.
- **(d) Insectivorous plant**: Insectivorous plants capture and digest insects for nutrients. Monotropa does not exhibit this behavior, so it is not an insectivorous plant.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Based on the analysis, Monotropa uniflora is best classified as a **saprophyte** (option a) because it feeds on dead and decaying organic matter.

Thus, the correct answer is **(a) Saprophyte**.

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