Question

which of the following is a physiological change that is most likely to increase survival of a plant on a mountaintop near the timberline?
oa. decreased growth
ob. development of shallow roots
oc. development of polymorphic leaves
od. reproduction through the growth of fleshy berries

Explanation:

植物在山顶树带界线附近生存，需要适应恶劣环境。多形叶（polymorphic leaves）可以通过不同形态适应环境（如减少水分散失、抵御强风等）。

• 选项A：“decreased growth”（生长减缓）不利于植物在恶劣环境中竞争资源等，不利于生存。
• 选项B：“development of shallow roots”（浅根发育）不利于植物固定和吸收深层水分等，不利于在山顶生存。
• 选项D：“reproduction through the growth of fleshy berries”（通过肉质浆果繁殖）与植物在山顶恶劣环境下的生存适应性关联不大。

Answer:

C. development of polymorphic leaves