Concept: This question tests your knowledge of specialized tissues in plants, specifically adaptations found in epiphytes.

Why (A) is correct: Epiphytes are plants that grow on other plants for support but do not derive nutrition from them. They absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the air. To facilitate this, their roots possess a specialized spongy, multiple-epidermal tissue called velamen. Velamen cells are dead at maturity and have thickened walls with spiral or reticulate patterns, allowing them to absorb and store atmospheric moisture and nutrients.

Why other options are wrong:

• (B) sclerenchyma: Provides mechanical support and is found in various plant parts, but not specifically for moisture absorption in epiphyte roots.
• (C) collenchyma: Provides flexible support to young plant parts and is not involved in water absorption.
• (D) parenchyma: A general ground tissue involved in various functions like storage, photosynthesis, and secretion, but not the specialized absorptive tissue in epiphyte roots.

NEET Tip: Remember that velamen is a key adaptation for epiphytic life, allowing these plants to thrive in environments where they cannot access soil water.

Correct Answer: (A)