A biology student hiking in a forest happens upon an erect, 15-centimetre-tall plant that bears microphylls and a strobilus at its tallest point. When disturbed, the cone emits a dense cloud of brownish dust. A pocket magnifying glass reveals the dust to be composed of tiny spheres with a high oil content.
-Besides oil, what other chemical should be detected in substantial amounts upon chemical analysis of these small spheres?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of a strobilus and the release of brownish dust upon disturbance suggests that the plant is a lycopod, which produces spores coated in sporopollenin. Therefore, option A is the most suitable choice. Phenolics and terpenes are not typically associated with spores, while waxes are more commonly found in leaves and stems.

A Biology Student Hiking in a Forest Happens Upon an Erect