Which of the following statements is true about Parthenium (carrot grass)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → All of the above statements are true.
Parthenium, commonly called carrot grass, is a weed. It did not come to India on purpose. Its seeds arrived mixed with wheat that was imported, and the plant then spread across the country. Its pollen grains cause allergy in many people.
Option (1) Parthenium has become widely distributed and occurs ubiquitously. — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. “Ubiquitous” means found everywhere. The book says Parthenium has become ubiquitous in occurrence.
Option (2) Parthenium causes pollen allergy. — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Pollen grains of many species cause allergies and breathing problems such as asthma and bronchitis. Parthenium is the book’s example of a plant that causes pollen allergy.
Option (3) Parthenium was introduced to India as a contaminant along with imported wheat. — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. The weed reached India as a contaminant with imported wheat. It was not brought in as a crop.
NCERT Extract:
Stamen, Microsporangium and Pollen Grain – “… Pollen grains of many species cause severe allergies and bronchial afflictions in some people often leading to chronic respiratory disorders – asthma, bronchitis, etc. It may be mentioned that Parthenium or carrot grass that came into India as a contaminant with imported wheat, has become ubiquitous in occurrence and causes pollen allergy.”