Root Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 3

Question 1

What type of root system develops from the radicle of a germinating seed?

Answer 1

Taproot system

Taproots are characterized by a primary root that thickens and lateral roots branching off.

Question 2

What are the two general types of root systems?

Answer 2

Taproots and fibrous roots

Taproots typically grow vertically, while fibrous roots form a network of smaller roots near the surface.

Question 3

What is the main function of roots?

Answer 3

To take in water and nutrients

Roots absorb essential resources from the soil to support plant growth.

Question 4

What adaptation allows roots to absorb nutrients from the moisture in the air?

Answer 4

Velamen

Velamen is a layer of dead cells that helps epiphytic orchids absorb moisture.

Question 5

True or False? Roots can help plants reproduce.

Answer 5

True

Roots can regenerate from pieces or form new shoots, leading to clonal propagation.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: A _______ root is any root that arises from a place other than the primary taproot.

Answer 6

Adventitious

Adventitious roots can form from stem cuttings or other non-primary locations.

Question 7

What are the advantages of root adaptations for plants?

Answer 7

Anchorage/support, water/nutrient uptake, orientation, reproduction, carbohydrate storage, water storage, gaseous exchange

These adaptations enhance a plant’s survival and growth in its environment.

Question 8

What is nutrient foraging in plants?

Answer 8

The behavior of roots growing to new areas of soil with more nutrients

This process increases the density and number of roots, enhancing nutrient uptake.

Question 9

What is a pneumatophore?

Answer 9

A modified root that projects above water for gas exchange

Pneumatophores are common in trees like Taxodium distichum that live in waterlogged environments.

Question 10

What is the role of mycorrhizal fungi in relation to roots?

Answer 10

To increase the surface area for nutrient absorption

Mycorrhizal fungi form beneficial associations with roots, enhancing their ability to forage for nutrients.

Question 11

True or False? Shallow-rooted plants are more stable than deep-rooted plants.

Answer 11

False

Shallow-rooted plants are less stable and more susceptible to drying out.

Question 12

What type of root adaptations allow for gas exchange in waterlogged conditions?

Answer 12

Pneumatophores

These specialized roots allow gas exchange between submerged roots and the air.

Question 13

What are the two types of root tubers?

Answer 13

Root tubers and stem tubers

Both types serve as storage organs for carbohydrates and water.

Question 14

What is phototropism?

Answer 14

The growth of plants towards light

Positive phototropism is observed in shoots, while roots exhibit negative phototropism.

Question 15

What is gravitropism?

Answer 15

A growth response to gravity

Roots grow downward (positive gravitropism) while shoots grow upward.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: _______ roots can form from shoot tips or runners/stolons.

Answer 16

Adventitious

These roots allow new plants to establish from parts of the parent plant.

Question 17

What issues can arise from raised roots?

Answer 17

Damage to paving and hard surfaces, difficulty in lawn maintenance

Raised roots can disrupt landscaping and pose challenges for mowing.

Question 18

What is the significance of totipotency in root propagation?

Answer 18

The ability of roots to regenerate and produce new plants

Totipotency allows for effective propagation from root cuttings.

Question 19

What are the adaptations of Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris?

Answer 19

Specialized roots that allow it to cling to surfaces

This adaptation helps climbing plants secure themselves to supports.

Question 20

What is thigmotropism?

Answer 20

A growth response to touch

This allows roots to navigate around obstacles and supports.

Question 21

What type of root system allows plants to gather water from deeper soil?

Answer 21

Deeper root systems

Plants with deeper root systems are generally more stable compared to those with shallower roots.

Question 22

What occurs when there is too much water in the soil?

Answer 22

Reduces oxygen levels and encourages roots to form close to or on the soil surface

This phenomenon can lead to stability issues for plants.

Question 23

Which trees are prone to forming raised roots due to excess water?

Answer 23

Sorbus aria (Common Whitebeam), Prunus ‘Kanzan’ (Cherry ‘Kanzan’)

Raised roots can lead to structural damage in pavements.

Question 24

What issues can raised roots cause?

Answer 24

Damage to paving and hard surfaces, difficulty when mowing lawns

Raised roots can also be a tripping hazard.

Question 25

What type of propagation method does Rubus idaeus use?

Answer 25

Produces buds on its roots that sprout new shoots

This enables Rubus idaeus to spread easily.

Question 26

What are root tubers primarily used for?

Answer 26

Survive adverse conditions, reproduce, stay safe from herbivory

Root tubers are critical for the survival of plants during unfavorable conditions.

Question 27

How do root tubers help plants survive adverse environmental conditions?

Answer 27

They allow plants to die back above ground and use stored carbohydrates for new growth

This process typically occurs during dry summers or cold winters.

Question 28

What is a secondary benefit of root tubers?

Answer 28

Limited protection from herbivores

While not their primary function, root tubers do offer some defense.

Question 29

What is an example of a plant with root tubers that can sprout new shoots?

Answer 29

Ipomoea batatas

This plant can grow new shoots and roots from buds on its tubers.