Question

Which of the following is a macrophyte?

• A. Spirogyra
• B. Diatoms
• C. Azolla
• D. Eudorina

Hint:

In biology, the term macrophyte most commonly refers to aquatic vascular plants. If you see an option that is a fern, moss, or flowering plant living in water, it's a very strong candidate for being a macrophyte compared to algae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Macrophyte Definition:
A macrophyte is a visible aquatic plant, encompassing aquatic vascular plants (ferns, flowering plants) and macroalgae, but excluding microscopic algae (phytoplankton).
Step 2: Option Analysis:
Analyzing the options to identify the macrophyte:

(A) {Spirogyra}: Filamentous green alga forming visible mats (macroalga), but non-vascular.
(B) Diatoms: Unicellular, microscopic algae; a phytoplankton component, not a macrophyte.
(C) {Azolla}: Small, free-floating aquatic fern. As a vascular plant (pteridophyte), it is a macrophyte.
(D) {Eudorina}: Motile, colonial green alga. Microscopic colony; part of phytoplankton; not a macrophyte.
Step 3: Conclusion:
{Azolla}, an aquatic fern and vascular plant, is the definitive macrophyte among the given options.