A monocotyledon is defined by having which feature?

A monocotyledon is defined by having which feature?

• A. One seed leaf
• B. Two seed leaves
• C. No seed leaves
• D. Multiple seed leaves

Answer: (A)

Monocotyledons are classified by having a single seed leaf, called a cotyledon, in the seed. This single cotyledon is the first leaf that appears as the seed germinates, and it distinguishes monocots from dicotyledons, which have two seed leaves. Beyond this defining feature, monocots often show parallel leaf venation and vascular bundles scattered in the stem, but those traits are additional characteristics, not the defining criterion. Examples of monocots include grasses, corn, and lilies. So the defining feature is one seed leaf.

Monocotyledons are classified by having a single seed leaf, called a cotyledon, in the seed. This single cotyledon is the first leaf that appears as the seed germinates, and it distinguishes monocots from dicotyledons, which have two seed leaves. Beyond this defining feature, monocots often show parallel leaf venation and vascular bundles scattered in the stem, but those traits are additional characteristics, not the defining criterion. Examples of monocots include grasses, corn, and lilies. So the defining feature is one seed leaf.