Which is the only living representative of Sphenopsida that has an underground, creeping and perennial rhizome that gives off aerial as well as underground branches?
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Combined Graduate Level Examination Tier I 2023
Adiantum
Incorrect AnswerDryopteris
Incorrect AnswerSelaginella
Incorrect AnswerExplanation:
- Adiantum: A genus of ferns, commonly known as maidenhair ferns. They typically possess underground rhizomes but belong to the class Pteridopsida, not Sphenopsida.
- Dryopteris: Another genus of ferns under Pteridopsida, recognized for their creeping rhizomes, but they aren't part of Sphenopsida.
- Selaginella: A genus of spikemosses within Lycopodiopsida, not Sphenopsida. They have differentiated roots and are distinct from horsetails.
- Equisetum: Known as horsetails, Equisetum is the solitary surviving genus within the class Sphenopsida. It has a creeping, perennial rhizome developing both aerial and subterranean branches.
Correct answer: Equisetum
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By: Parvesh Mehta