Question

Write two examples of plants with fibrous roots.

Answer 1

Hint: The fibrous root system forms a dense network of roots that is closer to the soil surface.

Complete Answer:
A fibrous root is a true root, usually formed by a thin, network of branching roots of equal diameter.
- This network of roots consists of many branching roots that emerge from the base of the stem and do not arise as branches of the primary root.
- The fibrous root is short, and the network of fibrous roots grows close to the surface of the ground horizontally in the soil.
- The plants with fibrous roots are not very deep-rooted and a single plant can have hundreds of fibrous roots.
- This type of root system is common in monocotyledonous plants and ferns, also in plants that have leaves with parallel venation.
The two examples of plants with fibrous roots are the Rice plant and the Sugarcane plant.
- The main function of fibrous roots is the absorption of water and nutrients from the soil, it also acts as plant anchorage by holding the plant firmly with the soil. Fibrous root holds many soil particles together at the surface of the soil, hence preventing soil erosion.
- In a fibrous root system, the roots grow downwards into the soil, and its branches also expand sideways throughout the soil.
- As because the embryonic root dies, while the plant is still young and growing, this forms a mass of fine roots, with no distinct taproot.

Note: Fibrous roots are generally found in monocotyledonous plants. And the fibrous roots have a short lifespan as compared to taproots.