Which outcome is associated with reduced leaf area due to stunted shoots?

• A. Increase in leaf number or larger leaves
• B. No change in leaf size
• C. Reduction in leaf number or smaller leaves
• D. Leaves become blue

Answer: (C)

When shoots are stunted, growth processes slow and the plant can’t invest as much into leaf production. That means fewer leaves form and those that do form tend to be smaller, so the total leaf area is reduced. Less leaf area means less photosynthetic capacity, which fits the idea of a slowed, constrained vegetative growth pattern.

So the outcome you’d expect is a reduction in leaf number or smaller leaves. An increase in leaf number or larger leaves would require more vigorous growth, not stunted shoots. No change in leaf size would imply no impact on leaf area, which isn’t consistent with stunting. Leaves turning blue points to a nutrient deficiency or other stress, not specifically the consequence of stunted shoots.