Final answer:
In whisk ferns, rhizoids serve as absorptive structures and work in conjunction with mycorrhizal fungi to gather resources from the environment. correct answer is C .
Step-by-step explanation:
In whisk ferns, rhizoids act as absorptive structures, supported by a mutualistic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, which extends along the surfaces of rhizomes. Unlike true roots, the primary function of rhizoids in these plants is not anchor but absorption, although they may provide some degree of anchorage. This absorption is facilitated by the increased surface area created by the mycorrhizal fungi that associate with the rhizoids. Additionally, these rhizoids lack the vascular tissues that are characteristic of the true roots found in vascular plants.
Without true roots, whisk ferns depend on these rhizoids to obtain water and nutrients from their surrounding environment. The symbiotic relationship between the rhizoids and the fungi enhances the efficiency of this process, as the fungi significantly increase the surface area for absorption, mimicking the functionality of root hairs in vascular plants.