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Question: A _____ leaf is a compound leaf that has smaller leaflets attaching to a common point. (A)Pinnate ...

A _____ leaf is a compound leaf that has smaller leaflets attaching to a common point.
(A)Pinnate
(B)Palmate
(C)Serrate
(D)Nono of the above

Explanation

Solution

Hint Compound leaves differ from simple leaves in the fact that they possess divided lamina with separated segments each having an appearance of a small leaf. These small-leaf structures are known as leaflets.

Complete answer:
Palmately compound leaf or simple Palmate leaf is a structure of compound leaf in which the smaller leaflets radiate from a common point at the distal end of the petiole. There are several other types of compound leaves seen in nature. However, palmately compound leaves are seen in the case of plants like chestnut, English oak, papaya, anjeer, etc.

Additional Information:
Pinnately compound leaves or pinnate leaves are seen in the case of plants like coconut, palm, fern tree, horsewood, etc. In these types of leaves, the leaflets are arranged in a feather-like or multi divided structure that arises from both sides of a common axis. It’s clear from the fact that the pinna word is a Latin word having the meaning "feather", "wing" or "fin".
Generally, secretion refers to a saw-like appearance or rows of sharp or tooth-like projections, but in the case of leaves, it points towards the leaves which have a saw-like margin, or toothed margin which have several benefits including reduction of force of wind and other natural elements. Some examples of plants having serrated leaves are apple, boxelder, black cherry, Populus, etc.

So, the correct answer is "Palmate".

Note: There are several types of compound leaves that we discussed above. Pinnately compound leaves are further divided into four types depending on the number of times they were pinnated. These are unipinnate, bipinnate, tripinnate, and decompound. Similarly palmately compound leaves are divided into 5 types- unifoliate, bifoliate, trifoliate, quadrifoliate, and digitate.