Growth in animals differs from that in plants because growth in

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks how growth in animals differs from growth in plants. We need the statement that correctly describes a real difference.

Step 2: Key concepts

• Plants grow throughout their lives (indefinite or unlimited growth) because they have meristems, which are regions of actively dividing cells at the root and shoot tips (apical) and in the cambium (lateral).
• Animals generally grow until they reach a certain adult size, after which growth stops (definite or limited growth). Growth occurs all over the body, not just at specific points.

Step 3: Check each option

• A. Plants is indefinite: Correct. Plants keep growing as long as they live, while animals stop growing at maturity.
• B. Plants is intercalary: Intercalary growth does occur in some plants (for example grasses, at the nodes), but it is not the general feature of plant growth. It is not the standard distinguishing point.
• C. Animals is apical: Wrong. Apical growth (at the tips) is characteristic of plants, not animals.
• D. Plants is from within: Wrong. Growth in both plants and animals comes from within, through cell division and enlargement, so this does not separate them.

Step 4: Answer The main difference is that plant growth is indefinite (continuous throughout life), whereas animal growth is definite (stops at maturity).

Correct answer: A

Exam tip: Remember "Plants = Perpetual, Animals = Aged-out." Plants have meristems for continuous growth, while animals stop growing at adulthood. When you see "apical" or "meristem" in an option, it is almost always linked to plants.