Maple leaves, palm fronds, pine needles, and grass blades are each different kinds of modified leaves.

which best describes why all plants need some sort of leaf or other green, leaf-like surface?

to perform photosynthesis
to stand upright
to be eukaryotic
to transport food

to perform photosynthesis

Explanation:

Vegetables need a leaf or some green pigmented surface to perform photosynthesis. This color occurs thanks to the presence of a pigment called chlorophyll, which is present in organelles called plastids. Each plasto is classified according to the pigment it contains. In the case of chlorophyll, we have chloroplasts. Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts and it is thanks to chlorophyll that this process becomes possible. Chlorophyll acts by absorbing light, mainly at blue, violet and red wavelengths. It reflects the green color, so the coloring of the leaves of some vegetables is green.

there really is life in the deepest part