Question

Why are the roots of aquatic plants short and fibrous?

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are the structure that provides strength to the plant and helps in absorbing water and minerals from the soil. Taproots and fibrous roots are mainly two types of roots found in plants. Some roots are modified to perform functions other than absorption and anchorage. They are involved in the photosynthesis, storage of food and sometimes act as the reproductive part of plants.

Complete answer:
The taproot consists of a primary root from which lateral roots are formed and emerges out. They can go deeper into the soil to absorb water and minerals from the soil. They are usually found in dicots and desert plants.

The networks of roots in which thin branching roots do not emerge from the primary root are called fibrous roots. Fibrous roots are formed from the base of the stem and are equal in diameter. They are short roots that are not deep-rooted. Hundreds of fibrous roots can be present in a plant. In ferns and monocots, fibrous roots are common. They are also seen in aquatic plants e.g. in lotus.

The roots of the aquatic plants are short so that water can easily spread through the leaves. The aquatic plants have fibrous roots as they do not require a rigid structure as water pressure provides support to the plant. The fibrous roots help the aquatic plants to float. Hence, the roots of the aquatic plants are short and fibrous.

Note: The root consists of mainly four zones- root cap, apical meristem, zone of elongation and root hairs. The root cap helps the plant roots to go deeper into the soil. It provides lubrication. The apical meristem forms the new root cells. The zone of elongation is involved in the growth of roots in length while the roots' hairs help in absorbing water and minerals from the soil.