Question

Plants have highly branched roots called ____ roots that grow near the surface and spread out to collect water.

1) Tap
2) Fibrous
3) Prop
4) Aerial

Answer 1

The highly branched roots that grow near the surface and spread out to collect water are called fibrous roots.

Step-by-step explanation:

Plants have highly branched root systems that can be classified into two main types: taproots and fibrous roots. Taproots consist of a single main root that grows downward, while fibrous root systems arise at the base of the stem, forming a dense network closer to the soil surface. Fibrous roots are characteristic of monocotyledons (monocots) and are highly branched, making them effective at collecting water near the surface.The correct answer to the question "Plants have highly branched roots called ____ roots that grow near the surface and spread out to collect water" is fibrous roots. In contrast to fibrous root systems, taproot systems, such as those of carrots and dandelions, feature a dominant central root that penetrates deeper into the soil. Meanwhile, fibrous root systems, found in plants like wheat and rice, help prevent soil erosion due to their network that spreads out across the surface.