Underground stems are primarily meant for

Options

A. Vegetative reproduction
B. Perennation
C. Protection from strong light
D. Anaerobic respiration

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Underground Stems**:
- Underground stems are modified structures derived from stem tissue. Unlike normal stems that are above the soil, underground stems are located beneath the soil surface.

2. **Examples of Underground Stems**:
- Common examples include bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers. These structures serve various functions for the plant.

3. **Functions of Underground Stems**:
- The primary functions of underground stems are:
- **Storage**: They act as storage tissues for nutrients and energy.
- **Vegetative Propagation**: They can help in the asexual reproduction of plants.
- **Perennation**: This refers to the ability of the plant to survive unfavorable conditions and to persist from one growing season to the next.

4. **Analyzing the Options**:
- The question provides four options:
- A) Vegetative reproduction
- B) Perennation
- C) Protection from strong light
- D) Aerobic respiration
- Among these, vegetative reproduction is a function but not the primary one. Perennation is a key function as it helps plants survive adverse conditions.
- Protection from strong light and aerobic respiration are not primary functions of underground stems.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The primary function of underground stems is **perennation** (option B), as they help plants survive through unfavorable conditions and transition between growing seasons.