Question

Which of the following is a macrophyte?

• A. Spirogyra
• B. Diatoms
• C. Azolla
• D. Eudorina

Hint:

In biology, the term macrophyte most commonly refers to aquatic vascular plants. If you see an option that is a fern, moss, or flowering plant living in water, it's a very strong candidate for being a macrophyte compared to algae.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A macrophyte is an aquatic plant that is large enough to be visible to the naked eye. The term includes aquatic vascular plants (like ferns and flowering plants) and macroalgae. It excludes microscopic algae (phytoplankton).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the given options:

(A) {Spirogyra:} This is a filamentous green alga. While its filaments can form large, visible mats (making it a macroalga), it is a simple, non-vascular organism.
(B) Diatoms: These are unicellular, microscopic algae. They are a major component of phytoplankton and are definitely not macrophytes.
(C) {Azolla:} This is a genus of small, free-floating aquatic ferns. As a vascular plant (a pteridophyte), it is unequivocally classified as a macrophyte.
(D) {Eudorina:} This is a motile, colonial green alga. The entire colony is microscopic and part of the phytoplankton. It is not a macrophyte.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Among the choices, {Azolla} is a vascular plant (an aquatic fern) and is the clearest and most definite example of a macrophyte.