UPSC Prelims 2001·GS1·geography·ecology and environment

Epiphytes are plants which depend on other plants for

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. Afood
  2. Bmechanical supportCorrect
  3. Cshade
  4. Dwater

Explanation

Epiphytes are plants that grow on the surface of other plants, typically trees, primarily to reach higher levels of the forest canopy for better sunlight. Unlike parasites, they do not derive nutrients or water from their host. They have their own roots to absorb moisture from the air and rain, and they produce their own food through photosynthesis. Therefore, they use the host plant only as a physical structure or platform to grow on, which is known as mechanical support.
geography: Epiphytes are plants which depend on other plants for

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