Question

What is modification of root? What type of modification of root is found in the:
(a) Banyan tree
(b) Turnip
(c) Mangrove tree

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are modified for supporting plants, storing food and respiration, etc. Plants adapt to perform different functions by modifying their root structure such as absorption of water and minerals.

Complete answer:
Root modifications are the structural changes that are permanent in nature in order to allow them to perform specialized functions. For specific purposes, plants have various root structures. Over the ground, aerial roots are generally structural. Storage roots are modified for food storage purposes (example, taproots and tuberous roots).

Roots and improvements in different plants:
(a) Banyan tree
The banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) has large adventitious pillar-like roots from the aerial portion of the stem. These roots attach to the ground and support the tree. Roots, thus, are classified as prop roots.

(b) Turnip
Turnip’s (Brassica rape) roots contribute to food storage. Radishes, carrots and sweet potatoes also have common food-storing characteristics.

(c) Mangrove tree
The roots of mangrove plants rise vertically from the ground to absorb atmospheric oxygen because of insufficient aeration of the soil. These root types are called pneumatic pneumatophores.

Additional Information:
Two types of root systems, namely the tap root system and the fibrous root system, have been mainly found in plants. Water and minerals from the soil are primarily absorbed by roots. Roots are therefore updated to achieve various other functions as well. The roots of some plants serve as storage facilities for food, while others supportively extract oxygen from the atmosphere.

Note: Change in shape, form, physiology and structure of roots in order to perform specialized functions other than water and mineral absorption are known as root modifications.