Parasite Plant with Yellow, Slender, and Branched Stem
The correct answer is A: Cuscuta.
Here is a detailed explanation:
Cuscuta:
- Cuscuta, commonly known as dodder, is a parasitic plant that belongs to the family Convolvulaceae.
- It is characterized by its yellow, slender, and branched stem.
- Cuscuta lacks chlorophyll and cannot carry out photosynthesis, so it relies on other plants for nutrients and water.
- The stem of Cuscuta wraps around the host plant, penetrating its tissues and absorbing nutrients.
- It can be found in various habitats, including fields, forests, and wetlands.
Pitcher Plant:
- Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants that have specialized leaves in the shape of a pitcher.
- They are not parasites and have green leaves with chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
- Pitcher plants use their unique leaves to attract, capture, and digest insects and other small prey.
- They are typically found in boggy or swampy areas.
Algae:
- Algae are simple, photosynthetic organisms that can be found in diverse environments, including freshwater, marine, and terrestrial habitats.
- They can vary in color, but yellow is not a common color for algae.
- Algae can be unicellular or multicellular and can range from microscopic to macroscopic in size.
Lichens:
- Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacteria.
- They are not parasites and can be found growing on rocks, trees, and other surfaces.
- Lichens have a variety of colors and forms, but yellow is not specific to them.
To sum up, the correct answer is A: Cuscuta, which is a parasite plant with a yellow, slender, and branched stem. This plant relies on other plants for nutrients and water as it lacks chlorophyll and cannot carry out photosynthesis.