The correct answer is d) growth of flowers.
In deciduous plants, decreasing temperatures stimulate several responses as they prepare for the onset of winter. These responses include:
a) Transport from leaves to roots: As temperatures decrease, deciduous plants transport nutrients and carbohydrates from their leaves to their roots, which helps in storing resources for winter.
b) A decline in photosynthesis: Decreasing temperatures lead to a decline in photosynthesis activity in deciduous plants. This is because the colder temperatures limit the efficiency of photosynthetic processes.
c) Sealing off of leaves: In response to decreasing temperatures, deciduous plants form abscission layers at the base of their leaves. These layers seal off the leaves, restricting the flow of nutrients and water and eventually leading to leaf fall.
d) Growth of flowers: The growth of flowers in deciduous plants is not typically stimulated by decreasing temperatures. Instead, flower growth is influenced by factors such as light, temperature changes, hormonal signals, and specific flowering triggers.
Therefore, among the given options, the response that is not stimulated by decreasing temperatures in deciduous plants is d) growth of flowers.
