A botanist argues that, since vasicentric tracheids are imperforate cells like true tracheids, they offer maximum protection against embolism. Furthermore, given that the presence of starch in fibers suggests a pattern of alternative storage and photosynthate conduction, and that some fibers can even take the place of axial parenchyma, it follows that trees with a high proportion of both vasicentric tracheids and fibers are best adapted to survive drought.
Which one of the following is the most serious flaw in the botanist’s reasoning?
