Evolutionary adaptations of stems include which of the following?

• A. Absorption of nutrients from the soil
• B. Production of flowers for reproduction
• C. Storage of water in succulent stems
• D. Secretion of digestive enzymes

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the primary function of stems in plants: Stems are part of the shoot system and are primarily responsible for supporting leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as transporting water, nutrients, and sugars between roots and other parts of the plant.
2. Recognize that evolutionary adaptations are modifications that enhance a plant's ability to survive and reproduce in specific environments. For stems, these adaptations may include structural, storage, or reproductive modifications.
3. Analyze the options provided: (1) Absorption of nutrients from the soil is primarily a function of roots, not stems. (2) Production of flowers for reproduction is a function of specialized structures like flowers, not stems. (3) Storage of water in succulent stems is a known adaptation in plants like cacti, which allows them to survive in arid environments. (4) Secretion of digestive enzymes is a function of specialized structures in carnivorous plants, not stems.
4. Focus on the correct adaptation: Storage of water in succulent stems is an evolutionary modification that allows plants to store water for use during drought conditions. This adaptation is common in plants found in desert ecosystems.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is 'Storage of water in succulent stems,' as it directly relates to an evolutionary adaptation of stems, while the other options describe functions of other plant parts or unrelated processes.