Question
Question: Dichotomous branching is found in (A)Fern (B)Funaria (C)Liverworts (D)pteridophytes...
Dichotomous branching is found in
(A)Fern
(B)Funaria
(C)Liverworts
(D)pteridophytes
Solution
The division of the apical meristem into two independently functioning axes is defined as dichotomous branching. This kind of branching generally occurs in non-vascular and non-seed vascular plants, whereas in seed plants it illustrates a primary growth form only in some taxa.
Complete answer:
MECHANISM OF DICHOTOMOUS BRANCHING
Structural examinations of dichotomizing apices indicated that dichotomy can proceed according to various developmental structures. In the meristems with a single apical cell, it can be a direct division of the apical cell, the formation of a new branch near the original apical cell, which remains effective in the second branch, and inactivation of the original apical cell with the coexisting initiation of the new branch initials. In plants with two apical cells, the dichotomy is associated with repeated divisions of initials. In meristems comprising one or more groups of initial cells, the entire meristem splits up to form dichotomous spices.
Option (A)Fern
This option is not correct.
Option (B)Funaria
This option is not correct.
Option (C)Liverworts
Dichotomous branching is a distinctive feature of liverworts e.g. Riccia, Marchantia, Pellia, etc. It is a basic form of branching. It is also called forked branching. In liverworts, the thallus is flat and dorsiventral, and dichotomously branched. The thallus has a notch at the anterior end. At the base of the notch, there is a maturing point consisting of a single apical cell. It splits up continually to form two branches of the same size.
Option (D) Pteridophytes
This option is not correct.
Hence the correct answer is OPTION(C)
Note: Dichotomy is a complicated method, which employs a re-organization of the meristem structure and factors modifications in the apex geometry and activity, the mechanisms supervising the repetitious apex divisions.