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HomeCBSE Class 11biologyMorphology of Flowering Plants — Root, Stem, Leaf, Venation, Phyllotaxy, Inflorescence & Flower Symmetry › Identify the difference between SIMPLE and COMPO…

Identify the difference between SIMPLE and COMPOUND leaves.

AIn a simple leaf the lamina is entire or any incisions don't reach the midrib; in compound leaf incisions REACH THE MIDRIB breaking it into separate leaflets. A bud is in the axil of the petiole — NOT in the axil of individual leaflets of a compound leaf
BSimple leaves are dicots; compound are monocots
CSimple leaves are smaller than compound leaves
DSimple leaves have parallel venation only
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. In a simple leaf the lamina is entire or any incisions don't reach the midrib; in compound leaf incisions REACH THE MIDRIB breaking it into separate leaflets. A bud is in the axil of the petiole — NOT in the axil of individual leaflets of a compound leaf
The defining criterion is whether incisions reach the midrib (compound — leaflets separate) or don't (simple — even deeply incised stays one blade). Crucially, axillary buds sit at the BASE of the leaf petiole, not in the axils of individual leaflets — this confirms a compound leaf is ONE leaf.
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