THE SUPPORTING TISSUE IN XYLEM IS MOST POORLY DEVELOPED IN

• A. mangrove swamp plants
• B. grassland plants
• C. submerged water plants ✓
• D. desert plants

The answer to the question is: C. submerged water plants

The supporting tissue in xylem is most poorly developed in submerged water plants. These plants have a reduced need for mechanical support due to the buoyancy provided by the surrounding water, which allows them to allocate more resources to other physiological processes such as nutrient uptake and photosynthesis. The xylem in submerged water plants tends to have fewer or even no vessels, as well as reduced lignification and secondary cell wall thickening compared to terrestrial plants. This adaptation allows for efficient water transport while minimizing the energy and resource costs associated with xylem development.

Submerged water plants, also known as hydrophytes, have evolved various structural and physiological adaptations to thrive in aquatic environments. Their reduced reliance on mechanical support structures in the xylem reflects their adaptation to the low mechanical stress experienced in water. Instead, these plants prioritize traits that enhance their ability to obtain nutrients and conduct gas exchange in an aquatic environment.