Olympiad Test: Plant Life - 2 - Class 5 MCQ

Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Radicle.
The embryo is the early stage of development in a plant seed. It consists of several parts, and the radicle is the first part to grow. Here is a breakdown of the different parts of the embryo and their order of growth:
1. Cotyledon: The cotyledon is a structure that stores food for the developing plant. It is not the first part to grow.
2. Plumule: The plumule is the embryonic shoot that will develop into the stem and leaves. It grows after the radicle.
3. Radicle: The radicle is the embryonic root that emerges first from the seed. It is responsible for anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. The radicle is the first part of the embryo to grow.
4. Leaves: The leaves are not part of the embryo but develop from the plumule. They are responsible for photosynthesis and usually grow after the radicle and plumule.
In summary, the radicle is the first part of the embryo to grow. It emerges from the seed and develops into the root system of the plant, providing support and nutrient absorption.

What happens if seeds are kept under water?
When seeds are kept under water, they undergo a process called imbibition. Here is what happens:
1. Imbibition:
- Imbibition is the process where seeds absorb water through their seed coat.
- The seed coat becomes permeable to water, allowing it to enter the seed.
2. Activation of metabolic processes:
- As water enters the seed, it activates metabolic processes within the seed.
- Enzymes become active, initiating the process of germination.
3. Germination is hindered:
- While seeds absorb water through imbibition, excessive water can actually hinder germination.
- If seeds are kept under water for a prolonged period, they may not germinate.
- This is because waterlogged conditions can deprive the seed of oxygen, which is essential for germination.
4. Lack of oxygen:
- When seeds are submerged in water, the oxygen supply to the seed is limited.
- Without sufficient oxygen, the seed's metabolic activities are hampered.
- This can prevent germination and lead to the death of the seed.
5. Seed dormancy:
- Some seeds have a natural dormancy period, during which they do not germinate even when provided with suitable conditions.
- Water alone may not be enough to break seed dormancy, and other factors such as temperature or light may be necessary.
In conclusion, keeping seeds under water may lead to the inhibition of germination due to limited oxygen supply. While imbibition is a crucial first step, prolonged waterlogging can hinder seed growth and even cause the seed to die.

Apple is a Rabi Crop
Explanation:
- Apple is a type of fruit crop that is cultivated and harvested during the Rabi season.
- Rabi crops are grown during the winter season, which usually starts in November and lasts until April.
- These crops require a cool climate for their proper growth and development.
- Apple trees need a period of winter dormancy to produce high-quality fruits, and the Rabi season provides the ideal conditions for this.
- The flowering and fruiting of apple trees occur during the spring season, which follows the winter period.
- Rabi crops are sown in the autumn and are harvested in the spring.
- Other examples of Rabi crops include wheat, barley, gram, mustard, and peas.
- Kharif crops, on the other hand, are cultivated during the monsoon season and include crops like rice, maize, cotton, and soybean.
- Spongy is not a term used to categorize crops and is not related to apple cultivation.
- Therefore, the correct answer is B: Rabi.

The crop peanut belongs to the Kharif season.
Explanation:
The crop peanut is commonly known as groundnut and is grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is an important oilseed crop and a staple food in many countries. Here is a detailed explanation of why peanut belongs to the Kharif season:
Kharif Season:
1. Kharif season refers to the monsoon season in India, which typically starts in June and lasts till September.
2. During the Kharif season, the rainfall is abundant, and the temperature is suitable for the growth of certain crops.
3. Crops that are sown during the Kharif season are generally harvested in the autumn months.
4. These crops require a warm and humid climate to grow properly.
Peanut cultivation characteristics:
1. Peanut crops require a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
2. They require well-drained soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
3. Moisture is essential for the growth of peanut plants, especially during the initial stages.
4. Excessive rainfall or waterlogging can negatively affect the crop.
5. The duration of the peanut crop is around 120 to 150 days from sowing to harvesting.
6. The crop is usually sown in June or July and harvested in September or October.
Conclusion:
Considering the cultivation characteristics and the timing of sowing and harvesting, it is clear that peanut belongs to the Kharif season. It is important to note that crop seasons may vary in different regions, but in India, peanut cultivation is predominantly associated with the Kharif season.

Tea Plant Propagation Methods
Tea plants are commonly propagated through various methods, but the most common and effective method is through cuttings. Here is a detailed explanation of how a tea plant is propagated:
1. Collecting Cuttings:
- Select healthy and disease-free tea plant branches for propagation.
- Cut 4-6 inch long stem cuttings from the selected branches.
- Ensure the cuttings have at least three to four leaves.
2. Preparing the Cuttings:
- Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings, leaving only the top two or three leaves.
- Dip the cut ends of the stems in a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development.
- Plant the prepared cuttings immediately or store them in a cool, moist environment until planting.
3. Planting the Cuttings:
- Prepare a well-draining potting mix or soil for planting the cuttings.
- Make holes in the soil using a pencil or any pointed object.
- Insert the cuttings into the holes, ensuring that at least one node is buried in the soil.
- Gently press the soil around the cuttings to provide stability.
4. Providing Suitable Growing Conditions:
- Place the planted cuttings in a warm and humid environment, preferably with a temperature range of 68-86°F (20-30°C).
- Ensure the cuttings receive indirect sunlight to promote growth.
- Mist the cuttings regularly to maintain high humidity levels.
- Water the cuttings when the soil feels slightly dry, but avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot.
5. Root Development and Transplanting:
- After a few weeks, the cuttings will start developing roots.
- Monitor the growth and development of the root system.
- Once the roots are well-established, usually within 3-6 months, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
By following these steps, tea plants can be successfully propagated through cuttings. This method ensures genetic consistency and quicker plant development compared to growing tea plants from seeds.

How has deforestation affected wildlife?
Deforestation has had a significant impact on wildlife, leading to various negative consequences. Here are some ways in which deforestation affects wildlife:
Near Extinction of Species:
- Due to deforestation, habitats of many animal species have been destroyed, pushing them to the brink of extinction. Forest-dependent species such as orangutans, tigers, and gorillas are particularly vulnerable.
- The loss of habitat disrupts the natural balance, making it difficult for certain species to find suitable conditions to survive and reproduce.
Lack of Shelter:
- Deforestation removes trees and vegetation that provide animals with essential shelter and protection from predators.
- Without adequate shelter, animals are exposed to harsh weather conditions, making them more susceptible to disease, stress, and death.
- Many species, including birds and mammals, rely on specific types of trees for nesting and breeding, which become scarce with deforestation.
Lack of Food:
- Deforestation leads to the destruction of food sources for wildlife.
- Trees provide fruits, nuts, and seeds that form a significant part of the diet for many animal species.
- With the loss of forested areas, animals struggle to find enough food, leading to malnutrition, decreased reproductive success, and ultimately population decline.
Disruption of Ecosystems:
- Forests play a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems. They provide habitats for countless species and support intricate food webs.
- Deforestation disrupts these ecosystems, affecting the entire web of life, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- The loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects, leading to imbalances in populations, reduced resilience to environmental changes, and potential ecosystem collapse.
In conclusion, deforestation has a profound impact on wildlife. It threatens species with extinction, deprives animals of shelter and food, and disrupts crucial ecosystems. Conservation efforts and sustainable land use practices are essential to mitigate these negative effects and preserve biodiversity.

Best suited condition for seeds to germinate

• Answer: D

The image in option D provides the best suited condition for seeds to germinate. Let's discuss why:
Key factors for seed germination

• Moisture: Seeds need water to initiate the germination process.
• Oxygen: Adequate oxygen is necessary for seeds to respire during germination.
• Temperature: Seeds require a suitable temperature range for optimal germination.
• Light: Some seeds require specific light conditions for germination, while others may germinate in darkness.

Analysis of the options

• Option A: The image shows seeds in a dry condition, lacking the required moisture for germination.
• Option B: The image shows seeds in water, which can lead to drowning and inhibit germination due to lack of oxygen.
• Option C: The image shows seeds in direct sunlight, which may not be suitable for all types of seeds as some require darkness for germination.
• Option D: The image shows seeds in a moist and well-drained soil with adequate oxygen, providing the ideal conditions for germination.

Therefore, option D is the best suited condition for seeds to germinate as it provides the necessary moisture, oxygen, and temperature required for successful germination.

Correct answer is B. All of these

• A. Animal: The image shows a dandelion seed head, which disperses by wind, not animals.
• B. Water: The image shows a lotus seed pod, which disperses by water.
• C. Explosion: This image shows a water lily, which doesn’t disperse by explosion. Explosive dispersal typically occurs in plants like balsam.

Sugarcane can be grown from:
- Stems: Sugarcane is primarily grown from stem cuttings. The stems of the sugarcane plant contain nodes, which are the points where the leaves emerge. These nodes also have buds, which can grow into new plants when planted in the soil.
- Roots: While sugarcane is primarily propagated through stem cuttings, it is possible to grow sugarcane from the roots as well. If the roots are intact and have buds, they can be planted in the soil to grow into new plants.
- A and B both: Sugarcane can be grown from both stems and roots. Stem cuttings are the most common and efficient method of propagation, but if the roots have buds, they can also be used to grow new plants.
In summary, sugarcane can be grown from both stems and roots. Stem cuttings are the most common method of propagation, but if the roots have buds, they can also be used to grow new plants.

The development process of a seed is called germination.
Here is a detailed explanation of the germination process:
1. Imbibition: The seed takes in water, causing it to swell and soften the seed coat.
2. Activation of enzymes: As water enters the seed, it triggers the activation of enzymes that break down stored nutrients in the endosperm or cotyledons.
3. Breakdown of stored nutrients: The stored nutrients, such as starch, proteins, and lipids, are broken down into simpler forms that can be used by the developing seedling.
4. Cell division and elongation: The cells in the embryo begin to divide rapidly, leading to the growth of the radicle (embryonic root) and plumule (embryonic shoot).
5. Emergence of the radicle: The radicle pushes through the seed coat and emerges from the seed, anchoring the seedling into the soil.
6. Development of the shoot: The plumule grows upward, breaking through the soil surface and developing leaves for photosynthesis.
7. Root development: The radicle grows longer and develops lateral roots, allowing the seedling to absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
8. Establishment of photosynthesis: Once the leaves have fully developed, the seedling can carry out photosynthesis to produce its own food.
9. Growth and maturity: The seedling continues to grow and mature into a mature plant, producing flowers and fruits that contain seeds for reproduction.
Germination is a critical stage in the life cycle of a plant as it marks the transition from a dormant seed to an actively growing seedling. It requires the right conditions of moisture, temperature, and oxygen to occur successfully.

Primary method of horsetail spores dispersal:

• Wind: The primary method by which horsetail spores are dispersed is through wind.

Horsetail plants, also known as Equisetum, produce spores in cone-like structures called strobili. These spores are lightweight and have small appendages that aid in wind dispersal.

When the strobili mature, they release the spores into the air. The spores are then carried away by wind currents to new locations where they can germinate and grow into new horsetail plants.

This method of dispersal allows horsetail plants to colonize new areas and expand their range. It also helps in the survival of the species by reducing competition among closely related individuals.

While water, insects, and grazing animals may play a role in the dispersal of horsetail spores to some extent, wind dispersal is the primary and most efficient method for these plants.

Therefore, the correct answer is option B: Wind.

From the picture, the pollen looks light weight and thus it can be ensured that the pollen grains are carried away by wind.

Explanation:
To make soil fertile, farmers add various substances that provide essential nutrients and improve soil quality. The two main substances commonly used are manure and chemical fertilizers.
Manure:
- Manure is organic matter derived from animal waste.
- It is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Manure improves soil structure and water-holding capacity.
- It enhances microbial activity in the soil, promoting nutrient cycling.
Chemical Fertilizers:
- Chemical fertilizers are synthetic substances that contain essential plant nutrients.
- They are formulated to provide specific ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Chemical fertilizers are readily available to plants and can be quickly absorbed.
- They can be tailored to meet the specific nutrient requirements of different crops.
Combining Manure and Chemical Fertilizers:
- Many farmers use a combination of manure and chemical fertilizers to maximize nutrient availability and soil fertility.
- This approach provides a balanced supply of both organic and inorganic nutrients.
- Manure improves soil organic matter content and enhances long-term soil health.
- Chemical fertilizers provide readily available nutrients for immediate plant uptake.
Conclusion:
To make soil fertile, farmers typically add a combination of manure and chemical fertilizers. This approach ensures a balanced supply of nutrients and promotes both short-term and long-term soil health.

The joining of a sperm and an egg during sexual reproduction is called fertilization.
Fertilization is a crucial process in sexual reproduction where a sperm cell from the male and an egg cell from the female unite to form a zygote. This process occurs in many organisms, including humans.
Key Points:
- Fertilization is the fusion of the genetic material from the sperm and egg cells, resulting in the formation of a zygote.
- The sperm cell is the male reproductive cell, while the egg cell is the female reproductive cell.
- Fertilization typically occurs during sexual intercourse when the sperm is ejaculated into the female reproductive tract.
- The sperm cell travels through the female reproductive tract, navigating through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes to reach the egg cell.
- Once the sperm reaches the egg, it undergoes a series of changes that allow it to penetrate the egg's protective layers.
- When the sperm successfully enters the egg, the genetic material from the sperm combines with the genetic material from the egg, forming a zygote.
- The zygote then undergoes cell division and development to eventually form a new individual.
In summary, fertilization is the process by which a sperm and an egg unite, combining their genetic material and initiating the development of a new individual. It is a fundamental step in sexual reproduction and the creation of offspring.