A Level Biology Practice Exam

What characterizes a succulent plant?

1. It requires lots of sunlight

2. It has fleshy stems that store water

3. It has long roots for nutrient uptake

4. It produces flowers year-round

The correct answer is: It has fleshy stems that store water

The characteristic that defines a succulent plant is its ability to have fleshy stems that store water. This adaptation allows succulents to thrive in arid environments where water is scarce. The water stored in their stems helps them survive prolonged periods of drought. Succulents have evolved specialized tissues that enable them to retain moisture, making them distinct from other plants. While many succulents do require ample sunlight, this is not a defining characteristic, as some can tolerate partial shade. Long roots for nutrient uptake can be found in various plant types, not specifically in succulents. Similarly, while some succulent plants can produce flowers, not all of them do so year-round, as flowering depends on specific conditions and seasons. The defining trait remains the ability to store water in their fleshy stems.