Question

Epiphytes like orchids absorb water with the help of roots that are
A. Aerial
B. Underground
C. Fibrous
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint: Roots of epiphytes are aerial and hang freely in the air and play the role of absorption of water and assimilation of moisture from the air.

Complete answer: Most of the orchids are epiphytes that grow on other plants. These orchid epiphytes are mainly seen on the inner branches of trees, limbs of large and mature tree present in lightly shaded areas Epiphytes grow on other plants known as the host and don’t necessarily derive nutrition from the host .they are not parasitic in nature rather they seek support from trees. They are also known as air plants as they do not grow from the soil. There are 3 types of epiphytes
1. Proto-epiphytes: They entirely depend on the host and roots are absent.
2. Holo-epiphytes: They live their entire life on the host
3. Hemi-epiphytes: They grow into the ground over their lifetime and die eventually.
Roots of epiphytes are aerial and anchor their roots on the bigger rainforest trees. These roots do not grow inside the soil. The main functions of these roots are the absorption of water and assimilation of moisture from nature. In the case of orchids, roots develop which grow on branches of trees as epiphytes. These roots hang freely and absorb moisture from the air with the help of velamen which is a modification of the epidermis. These roots are known as hygroscopic roots.
Hence option A is the correct answer.

Note: Epiphytic roots are also known as hygroscopic roots that hang freely and absorb moisture from the air with the help of velamen. Epiphytes grow on trees for physical support and do not have any contact with soil. The roots of epiphytes are aerial and can absorb little nutrients found in tree bark.