Which plant type typically has tap roots or coarse root systems?

Which plant type typically has tap roots or coarse root systems?

• A. Grass
• B. Broadleaf
• C. Woody plants
• D. Ferns

Answer: (B)

Broadleaf plants typically develop a taproot, which is a single dominant vertical root that grows downward with smaller lateral roots. This stands in contrast to grasses, which have fibrous root systems made of many fine roots spreading near the surface, and ferns, which rely on rhizomes and adventitious roots rather than a true taproot. Woody plants can form coarse root systems as they mature, but the classic pattern associated with the term is the taproot in broadleaf dicots. So broadleaf is the best fit.

Broadleaf plants typically develop a taproot, which is a single dominant vertical root that grows downward with smaller lateral roots. This stands in contrast to grasses, which have fibrous root systems made of many fine roots spreading near the surface, and ferns, which rely on rhizomes and adventitious roots rather than a true taproot. Woody plants can form coarse root systems as they mature, but the classic pattern associated with the term is the taproot in broadleaf dicots. So broadleaf is the best fit.