Question

Assertion: Root systems in hydrophytes are poorly developed.
Reason: This condition helps the hydrophytes to avoid maximum water absorption.

A) Both Assertion and reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for assertion.
B) Both Assertion and reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
C) Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
D) Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct.

Answer 1

Hint: Root systems of plants are of great importance to the growth and survival of the plants. This is because the roots absorb water and nutrients from the surrounding environment which are then supplied to different plant parts through the vascular bundles. Roots are broadly of two types- fibrous root and tap root.

Complete Answer:
- Hydrophytes are plants that live in aquatic environments. They either remain fully submerged in water or most of their body parts remain under water. They are characterized by flat broad leaves that helps them to remove the extra water.
- Since the hydrophytes live in water their root system is quite different from other plants that live in soil.
- The root system of hydrophytes is poorly developed because they have abundant water in the surrounding environment so don’t need to put extra effort to obtain them.
- There is very poor development of root hair and absence of root caps. The main function of the root system in hydrophytes is anchoring the plant in water. Absorption of water takes place mostly through the leaves in this case.

So the correct option is B) both Assertion and Reason is correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for assertion as absorption of water in case of hydrophytes don’t take place through roots.

Note: It is important to note that different plants have different features that are suited to the environment they are growing in. This helps in their increase in survival rate and also growth.