Root systems and their modifications — practice questions

Question 1 · difficulty L1 · recall

Which root system develops directly from the radicle and persists as the main root?

• A. Tap root system
• B. Fibrous root system
• C. Adventitious root system
• D. Pneumatophore system

Question 2 · difficulty L2 · understanding

Why are prop roots of a banyan described as adventitious roots?

• A. They arise from branches rather than from the radicle
• B. They grow only under water
• C. They contain no vascular tissue
• D. They arise only from root hairs

Question 3 · difficulty L2 · understanding

Which root modification helps mangrove plants obtain oxygen in waterlogged, poorly aerated soil?

• A. Pneumatophores
• B. Prop roots
• C. Storage tap roots
• D. Climbing roots

Question 4 · difficulty L3 · understanding

In angiosperms, root hairs arise from which one of the following regions of the root?

• A. The root cap zone
• B. The region of meristematic activity
• C. The region of elongation
• D. The region of maturation

Question 5 · difficulty L3 · application

A plant growing in loose soil develops roots from lower stem nodes that enter the soil obliquely and provide additional support. Which modification is this?

• A. Stilt roots
• B. Prop roots
• C. Pneumatophores
• D. Haustorial roots

Question 6 · difficulty L3 · application

A swollen primary root stores food and gradually tapers toward both ends, being widest near the middle. Which storage-root shape is described?

• A. Fusiform
• B. Conical
• C. Napiform
• D. Tuberous adventitious

Question 7 · difficulty L4 · analysis

Plant P has roots descending vertically from branches, plant Q has roots arising from lower stem nodes and entering the soil obliquely, and plant R has upward-growing respiratory roots in swampy soil. Which sequence is correct?

• A. Prop roots, stilt roots, pneumatophores
• B. Stilt roots, prop roots, pneumatophores
• C. Pneumatophores, prop roots, stilt roots
• D. Prop roots, pneumatophores, stilt roots