OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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Why might a plant develop a mechanism for negative phototropism?

To escape drought conditions
To secure moisture and nutrients from the soil
To prevent oversaturation of light
To avoid competition with other plants

The correct answer is: To secure moisture and nutrients from the soil

The development of negative phototropism in plants serves to help them secure moisture and nutrients from the soil. In this process, plants may grow away from light sources, facilitating deeper root growth into the soil, where they can access essential water and nutrients that are more abundant at certain depths, especially in competitive environments. This adaptive strategy ensures that plants can maintain their health and growth despite potential challenges posed by their immediate surroundings, such as drought or nutrient depletion. For instance, in a habitat where the surface soil may dry out quickly, roots extending deeper can help tap into more reliable water sources, illustrating the importance of negative phototropism in ensuring a plant's survival and efficient resource utilization.