Question

Stilt roots occur in
(a) Groundnut and helianthus
(b) Rice
(c) Sugarcane and Maize
(d) Wheat

Answer 1

Hint: Roots are the parts of the plants that develop from the radicle of the embryo. Their primary functions are anchorage and absorption of water from the soil. But depending on different requirements, they may be modified and stilt roots are one such modification. They are seen in certain cash crops. One of these plants is also used to make jaggery.

Complete answer:
Stilt roots are the roots that arise from the lower nodes and they grow downwards in an oblique fashion and penetrate the soil. They provide additional mechanical support to the plant. Such type of adaptation helps the plant to withstand strong gusts of wind. This type of roots is found in many mangroves and certain crops like sugarcane and maize.

Other types of modifications of roots may be present to serve specific functions. Some of the examples of root modifications are:
- Respiratory roots or pneumatophores: They are present in plants growing in marshes and mangroves. These roots have pores at their ends and rise from the surface back to the atmosphere. They help in respiration.
- Epiphytic roots: These roots are found on plants that grow on other plants as commensals. These roots contain velamen which absorbs moisture from the atmosphere which compensates for the plant's water requirement.
- Storage roots: Certain plants have bulbous roots that are used to store reserve food material in the tissues.
So, the correct answer is, ‘(c) Sugarcane and Maize’.

Note:
- Aerial Prop roots are another kind of root modification which help in the anchorage of the plants and act as secondary support.
- They are roots that arise from the branches of the plants and grow vertically downward to enter the ground.
- They are found in trees like Bamboo and are important for the support of the large trees.