Which of the following are correct for conifers ?
I. Needle - like leaves to reduce surface area.
II. Thick cuticle on leaves.
III. Sunken stomata to reduce water loss.
IV. The main plant body is gametophyte.

Options

A. II and III
B. Only IV
C. Only I
D. I, II and III

Answer

To determine which statements are correct for conifers, let's analyze each statement one by one:

1. **Statement I: Needle-like leaves to reduce surface area.**
- Conifers have needle-like leaves, which indeed help reduce the surface area. This adaptation minimizes water loss through transpiration, making it easier for the plant to survive in dry or cold environments.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is correct.

2. **Statement II: Thick cuticle on leaves.**
- Conifers typically have a thick cuticle on their leaves. This thick waxy layer helps to further reduce water loss by creating a barrier against evaporation.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is also correct.

3. **Statement III: Sunken stomata to reduce water loss.**
- Conifers possess sunken stomata, which are located in depressions on the leaf surface. This adaptation helps to reduce water loss by creating a microenvironment with higher humidity around the stomata, thus minimizing the gradient for water vapor to escape.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is correct as well.

4. **Statement IV: The main plant body is gametophyte.**
- This statement is incorrect. In conifers, the main plant body is the sporophyte, not the gametophyte. The gametophyte is reduced and dependent on the sporophyte in gymnosperms.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is incorrect.

Now, summarizing the results:
- Statements I, II, and III are correct.
- Statement IV is incorrect.

**Final Answer:** The correct statements for conifers are I, II, and III.

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