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General Science • BiologyEasy

What is the mode of nutrition observed in parasitic flowering plants like Cuscuta (Dodder)?

A. Autotrophic
B. Saprophytic
C. Heterotrophic (Parasitic via haustoria)✓ Correct Answer
D. Insectivorous

💡 Solution & Explanation

Cuscuta represents a parasitic flowering plant genus that completely lacks chlorophyll and must rely entirely upon host vegetation for nutrition by penetrating vascular tissues with specialized absorptive organs known as haustoria. Unlike saprophytic organisms that feed on dead organic matter, Cuscuta lives as a complete stem parasite on living hosts.

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