Question

Some cycads are considered endangered species and their trade is severely restricted. Customs officials stop suspected smugglers who claim that the plants in their possession are palm trees, not cycads. How would a botanist distinguish between the two types of plants?

a) Cycads have fronds, while palms have needles.
b) Cycads have compound leaves, while palms have single leaves.
c) Cycads have unbranched trunks, while palms have branched trunks.
d) Cycads have seeds borne in cones, while palms have berries.

Answer 1

A botanist can distinguish between cycads and palm trees based on their leaf structure, trunk characteristics, and reproductive structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

A botanist can distinguish between cycads and palm trees based on their leaf structure, trunk characteristics, and reproductive structures.

1. Cycads have compound leaves, while palms have single leaves.
2. Cycads have unbranched trunks, while palms have branched trunks.
3. Cycads have seeds borne in cones, while palms have berries.

These distinguishing features allow a botanist to identify whether a plant is a cycad or a palm tree.

A botanist can distinguish between cycads and palms based on their reproductive and structural characteristics. Cycads, which are gymnosperms, bear seeds borne in cones and have large, pinnately compound leaves. Palms, which are a group of flowering plants, produce flowers and seeds, but not in cones. Additionally, cycads typically have unbranched trunks and do not exhibit the kind of branching seen in palms.