Which leaf type has a blade divided into leaflets?

Which leaf type has a blade divided into leaflets?

• A. Simple leaf
• B. Alternate leaf
• C. Compound leaf
• D. Whorled leaf

Answer: (C)

A compound leaf is defined by a blade that is divided into multiple leaflets, all part of a single leaf structure. Each leaflet is attached to a central axis called the rachis, and together they form the leaf that emerges from the stem. In contrast, a simple leaf has a single, undivided blade—even if the edge is lobed, it remains one blade rather than a collection of leaflets. The terms alternate and whorled describe how leaves are arranged on the stem, not the blade’s internal division, so they don’t indicate a division into leaflets. So the description that fits a blade split into leaflets is a compound leaf.

A compound leaf is defined by a blade that is divided into multiple leaflets, all part of a single leaf structure. Each leaflet is attached to a central axis called the rachis, and together they form the leaf that emerges from the stem. In contrast, a simple leaf has a single, undivided blade—even if the edge is lobed, it remains one blade rather than a collection of leaflets. The terms alternate and whorled describe how leaves are arranged on the stem, not the blade’s internal division, so they don’t indicate a division into leaflets. So the description that fits a blade split into leaflets is a compound leaf.