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Why might a taproot be an advantage to some plants, whereas a fibrous root system might be an advantage to others?

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Final answer:

Taproots, seen in dicots like dandelions, are advantageous in dry environments as they can reach deeper water reserves, while fibrous root systems, found in monocots like grasses, are shallow but spread out to absorb surface moisture quickly and help prevent soil erosion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the advantages of different root systems in plants, with a focus on why a taproot might be beneficial to some plants, while others may be better served with a fibrous root system. In arid or desert environments, a deep taproot can access deeper moisture reserves underground, which is vital for survival in dry conditions. On the other hand, a fibrous root system typically remains closer to the surface, spreading out to create a dense network which can quickly absorb moisture from light rains and help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion.

Incorrect information provided in some options regarding which types of plants have taproots or fibrous roots has been ignored, as the correct classification is that dicots generally have a taproot system, while monocots usually have a fibrous root system. For instance, dandelions, which are dicots, have taproots, and grasses, which are monocots, have fibrous root systems.

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