Question

Choose the incorrect answer from the following pairs which is not matching.

• A. Epiphyte -- Ficus bengalensis
• B. Partial parasite -- Loranthus longiflorus
• C. Total parasite -- Cuscuta reflexa
• D. Semi root parasite -- Butea superba

Hint:

Sandalwood (Santalum album) is the most famous example of a semi-root parasite in forestry exams, whereas Butea superba is simply a large woody climber (lia).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Forest ecosystems contain diverse plant life-forms that exhibit various symbiotic, parasitic, or epiphytic relationships to acquire light, water, and nutrients.

Step 2: Detailed Explation:
Let us evaluate each of the pairs:
- (A) Epiphyte -- Ficus bengalensis: Ficus bengalensis (Banyan tree) often begins its life cycle as a semi-epiphyte.
Its seeds germite in the crevices of host tree branches, growing as epiphytes before sending down aerial roots that establish in the ground.
Thus, this pair is a valid botanical match.
- (B) Partial parasite -- Loranthus longiflorus: Loranthus is a well-known stem partial parasite (hemi-parasite).
It possesses chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis but relies on the host tree's xylem to extract water and minerals.
Thus, this pair is a valid match.
- (C) Total parasite -- Cuscuta reflexa: Cuscuta (Dodder) is a total stem parasite (holo-parasite).
It lacks chlorophyll and leaves, relying entirely on haustoria to extract both nutrients and water from the host plant's vascular system.
Thus, this pair is a valid match.
- (D) Semi root parasite -- Butea superba: Butea superba is a massive, woody deciduous climber (lia) tive to India, not a parasite.
The classic example of a semi-root parasite in Indian forests is Santalum album (Sandalwood).
Therefore, this pair is an incorrect match.

Step 3: Fil Answer:
The incorrectly matched pair is Semi root parasite -- Butea superba.
Hence, the correct option is (D).