Question

Which kind of root system contains many thin, branching roots?

a. Branching taproot
b. Grassy
c. Fibrous
d. Adventitious

Answer 1

c.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kind of root system that contains many thin, branching roots is called a fibrous root system. In a fibrous root system, the main root is small and does not dominate the plant's growth. Instead, numerous thin roots grow in all directions, creating a dense network. These roots spread out horizontally close to the soil surface, allowing the plant to efficiently absorb water and nutrients. Some examples of plants with fibrous root systems include grasses, such as wheat and corn, as well as ferns. These plants have evolved fibrous root systems to adapt to their environments. Grasses, for example, need to quickly absorb water and nutrients from the soil due to their fast growth rates, and a fibrous root system helps them accomplish this. In contrast, a branching taproot system has a single, main root that grows straight down vertically, with smaller lateral roots branching off from it. This type of root system is found in plants like carrots and radishes. To summarize, the kind of root system that contains many thin, branching roots is a fibrous root system. It is commonly found in grasses and allows for efficient water and nutrient absorption.

Answer 2

A fibrous root system contains many thin, branching roots and is typical of monocot plants like wheat and corn, compared to a taproot system found in dicots.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kind of root system that contains many thin, branching roots is known as a fibrous root system. Unlike a taproot system, which has a single main root that grows downward, a fibrous root system consists of a dense network of small roots that spread out closer to the soil surface. This type of root system is commonly found in monocotyledonous plants (monocots), such as wheat, rice, and corn, whereas a taproot system is typically found in dicotyledonous plants (dicots), like carrots and dandelions. Fibrous root systems are advantageous in that they help prevent soil erosion and provide a larger surface area for water and mineral absorption.