Leaflets of Mimosa pudica (common names: sensitive plant, touch-me-not) have a remarkable ability to close up in response to being touched or physically moved. How fast can the leaflets close? How does this occur? And more importantly, what benefit could this unusual response provide to the plant? Which of the following terms best describes the leaflet movement? a. thigmonastic movements b. thigmotropism c. thigmomorphogenesis d. apical dominance

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of movement: The movement of Mimosa pudica leaflets in response to touch or physical disturbance is a rapid folding inward, which is a nastic movement because it is non-directional and triggered by a stimulus.
2. Differentiate between the terms: Thigmonastic movements refer to nastic movements triggered by touch or physical disturbance. Thigmotropism involves directional growth in response to touch, affecting how the plant grows towards or away from the stimulus. Thigmomorphogenesis refers to the long-term changes in the form of a plant in response to mechanical stress. Apical dominance refers to the phenomenon where the main, central stem of the plant is dominant over other side stems.
3. Match the correct term: Since the movement of Mimosa pudica leaflets is a rapid, non-directional response to touch, the correct term to describe this movement is 'thigmonastic movements'.
4. Understand the benefit of this movement: The rapid closing of the leaflets may deter herbivores from eating the plant or may help reduce water loss by reducing the surface area exposed to the sun.
5. Final answer: The term that best describes the leaflet movement of Mimosa pudica is 'thigmonastic movements'.