During normal development, Acacia koa plants first produce compound juvenile leaves and later produce adult sickle-shaped leaves. Which of the following statements is correct?

• A. Existing compound leaves will change to sickle-shaped leaves as the plant matures.
• B. Sickle-shaped leaves will revert to compound leaves if cuttings are made from them.
• C. The compound juvenile leaves and the adult sickle-shaped leaves are produced by two different apical meristems.
• D. All of the listed responses are correct.
• E. Existing compound leaves will stay compound as the plant ages.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the developmental stages of Acacia koa plants, which initially produce compound juvenile leaves and later develop adult sickle-shaped leaves.
2. Recognize that leaf morphology in plants is determined by genetic and developmental factors, and existing leaves do not change shape as the plant matures.
3. Consider the role of apical meristems, which are regions of active cell division in plants responsible for the growth of new leaves. Both juvenile and adult leaves are produced by the same apical meristem, not different ones.
4. Evaluate the statement that sickle-shaped leaves will revert to compound leaves if cuttings are made from them. This is incorrect because leaf morphology is fixed once developed.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is: Existing compound leaves will stay compound as the plant ages, reflecting the fixed nature of leaf morphology after development.