Fibrous Root: A fibrous root system is characterized by thin, moderately branching roots that develop from the stem, contrasting with the taproot system. This type of root system is common in monocotyledonous plants and grasses, forming a dense mat of roots as the plant matures. Initially, most plants start with a taproot, but they transition to a fibrous root system with spreading surface roots and a few deep anchoring roots over time.
Mature trees, typically 30-50 meters tall, have a root system that extends horizontally as far as the tree’s height, with over 95% of the roots in the top 50 cm of soil. Fibrous roots tend to grow near the soil surface. Plants with leaves showing parallel venation usually have fibrous roots. Examples of plants with fibrous root systems include the coconut palm, banana, wheat, rice, and various grasses. The article below provides more details on fibrous roots, including diagrams, examples, and their functions for the NEET Exam.
Pre Fertilisation: Structures and Events
What Are Fibrous?
The fibrous root system is found in plants such as monocotyledonous plants and ferns, where roots develop from the stem as thin, moderately branching roots without a primary root. This system, also known as an adventitious root system, begins with a taproot from the radicle but lacks a primary root as the plant matures. Instead, a mat of roots forms underneath the plant, growing horizontally and not deeply into the soil.
These roots do not branch into secondary or tertiary roots and instead arise directly from the stem, spreading in all directions. Fibrous roots are surface feeders, absorbing nutrients from the topsoil and organic matter. They are essential for preventing soil erosion and efficient absorption of fertilizers. However, they may not withstand drought conditions well due to their shallow nature.
The fibrous root system is believed to have evolved before the taproot system. Plants with fibrous roots typically have leaves with parallel venation. Examples of plants with fibrous roots include grasses, wheat, rice, corn, rosemary, and coconut.
Fibrous Root Examples
Fibrous roots are characteristic of monocotyledonous plants, forming a dense network that spreads out from the base of the stem. Grasses, such as wheat, rice, and barley, rely on fibrous roots for stability and efficient absorption of nutrients, essential for their growth in diverse environments.
Corn plants also develop fibrous roots, supporting their tall stature and nutrient requirements. Lilies, known for their ornamental value, anchor themselves with fibrous roots while absorbing nutrients.
Turf grasses in lawns and sports fields form dense mats with fibrous roots, providing stability and resilience. Bamboo’s rapid spread is facilitated by its fibrous root system, contributing to the formation of dense thickets.
Fibrous Root System
A fibrous root system is characterized by numerous slender, branching roots that emanate from the base of the plant’s stem. Unlike a taproot system, a fibrous root system has no dominant central root. Fibrous root systems are found in monocotyledonous plants, such as corn, grasses, and lilies, as well as in some dicotyledonous plants, such as tomatoes and petunias.
Fibrous roots have several advantages over taproot systems. They have a larger surface area, which makes them more effective at absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. Second, they give plants a better anchor as they spread widely in different directions, which aids in soil stabilization. Thirdly, fibrous roots are more resistant to wind and drought damage because they do not depend on a single central root like taproots do.
NEET Previous Year Question Papers
Fibrous Root Function
Fibrous roots are a type of root system characterized by numerous thin, thread-like roots that originate from the base of the stem instead of having one main taproot. They typically spread out horizontally near the soil surface. Functions of fibrous roots:
- Absorption of water and nutrients: Fibrous roots have a large surface area, allowing them to absorb water and nutrients from the soil efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for plants in dry or nutrient-poor soils. Fibrous roots have root hairs, and microscopic extensions of root cells that increase the surface area for absorption. Root hairs also create a space around the root for water and nutrients to move into the plant.
- Anchorage: The network of fibrous roots helps anchor the plant in the soil, preventing it from being uprooted by wind or other disturbances. This is especially important for plants in tall or windy locations.
- Preventing soil erosion: Fibrous roots help bind soil particles together, reducing the risk of soil erosion. This is especially essential for plants on slopes or in areas with high rainfall.
Fibrous root systems are an important adaptation that allows plants to thrive in various environments.
Fibrous Root Found In
Fibrous roots are present in various plant species, particularly monocots (monocotyledonous plants) and ferns. Monocots are characterized by having a single seed leaf (cotyledon), parallel leaf veins, and flower parts in multiples of three. Monocots with fibrous roots include grasses (such as corn, wheat, rice, and oats), lilies, palms, orchids, and bananas. Ferns, non-flowering vascular plants, also possess fibrous root systems and reproduce through spores.
Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
Fibrous Root Venation
Plants with fibrous roots tend to have parallel venation. With few branches, the veins in parallel venation run parallel to one another the entire length of the leaf. This type of venation is common in monocots, which are plants with only one seed leaf and include grasses, corn, lilies, and irises.
The fibrous root system is made up of many thin roots that grow from the stem’s base. These roots have a large surface area that can absorb water and nutrients from the soil. They are ideal for plants that grow in shallow soils or require access to water from a large area.
| Other NEET Biology Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ribosomes | Pollination | Apomixis |
| Centrosome | Embryo | Tissues |
Fibrous Root Plants Name
There are numerous plant species characterized by their fibrous root systems. Here are some examples:
- Grasses: All grass species exhibit fibrous root systems. These roots are adventitious, meaning they arise from the stem base rather than from a single taproot. This characteristic allows grasses to spread easily and form dense mats.
- Corn (Maize): Corn possesses a fibrous root system that extends outward from the base of the plant. Although relatively shallow, these roots are highly efficient at absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.
- Wheat: Wheat, similar to corn, features a fibrous root system. These shallow and branching roots aid in anchoring the plant in the soil while facilitating water and nutrient absorption.
- Rice: Rice plants have a fibrous root system adapted to thrive in wet conditions. These shallow and branching roots are covered in root hairs that enhance water and nutrient absorption.
- Vegetables: Many vegetables, including carrots, beets, and onions, possess fibrous root systems. Although relatively shallow, these roots effectively absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
- Flowers: Numerous flowers, such as petunias, marigolds, and impatiens, exhibit fibrous root systems. These shallow, branching roots facilitate water and nutrient uptake.
- Trees and Shrubs: Some trees and shrubs, like palms and bamboo, have fibrous root systems. These adventitious roots, originating from the stem base, are shallow and branching, aiding in anchoring the plants while absorbing water and nutrients.
Fibrous root systems are well-suited for various growing conditions, efficiently absorbing water and nutrients and anchoring plants in the soil. However, they are not as deep as taproot systems and may be less effective in dry conditions.
Fibrous Root And Adventitious Root
Both fibrous roots and adventitious roots are important for plant growth, but they differ in their origin and structure.
1. Fibrous Root System
Definition: A network of thin roots with similar diameters.
Origin: Grows from the base of the stem, not from a single taproot.
Common in: Monocotyledonous plants (monocots) like grasses, corn, and lilies. Also found in some dicotyledonous plants (dicots) such as marigolds and tomatoes.
Functions of Fibrous Roots:
- Absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
- Anchor the plant in the ground.
- Help store carbohydrates.
2. Adventitious Roots
Definition: Roots that arise from any part of a plant other than the radicle.
Origin: Develop from stems, leaves, or flower stalks.
Functions of Adventitious Roots:
- Provide additional support for climbing plants (e.g., ivy).
- Aid in vegetative reproduction (e.g., strawberry runners).
- Increase surface area for water and nutrient uptake (e.g., corn).
- Anchor aerial structures (e.g., prop roots of banyan trees).
Comparison:
- All fibrous root systems are adventitious, but not all adventitious root systems are fibrous.
- Fibrous roots grow from the base of the stem, while adventitious roots can grow from any part of the plant.
- Fibrous roots are typically uniform in size, while adventitious roots can vary greatly in size and shape.
Tap Root And Fibrous Root
Plants depend on their roots for both anchoring themselves in the soil and for absorbing water and nutrients. There are two primary types of root systems found in plants: taproots and fibrous roots.
Taproot System
A taproot system has a single, dominant root that grows vertically downwards into the soil. This root is thick and fleshy, tapering to a fine tip. Small lateral roots branch out from the main root.
Characteristics of Taproots:
- Taproots have a deep system that can access water and nutrients from deeper layers of the soil, which is especially beneficial during periods of drought.
- They provide strong anchorage for tall plants.
- Taproots can store food reserves, as seen in plants like carrots, beets, and radishes.
Examples of plants with taproots include:
- Carrot
- Radish
- Dandelion
- Beet
Fibrous Root System
In contrast, a fibrous root system consists of many thin roots that grow outward from the base of the stem, rather than having a single dominant root. These roots are typically shallow and spread out near the soil surface.
Characteristics of Fibrous Roots:
- Fibrous roots efficiently absorb water and nutrients from the topsoil.
- They are well-suited for plants that thrive in moist environments.
- Fibrous roots often form a dense mat that helps prevent soil erosion.
Examples of plants with fibrous roots include:
- Grasses (such as corn, wheat, and rice)
- Tomato plants
- Bean plants
- Most monocots
These two root systems play a crucial role in the growth and development of plants, providing them with the necessary support and resources for survival.
PW NEET Online Coaching offers study materials, practice tests, and guidance to NEET aspirants. Students can also practice with the previous year’s papers to prepare for the actual exam for the best NEET preparation.
Fibrous Root FAQs
Taproots penetrate deeply into the soil for anchorage and nutrient absorption, while fibrous roots are shallow and spread horizontally for stability and efficient absorption from the topsoil.
The term "fibrous root" describes a root system where many thin, moderately branching roots grow from the stem base, forming a dense network.
Dandelions, carrots, parsnips, and beets are examples of plants with taproots, characterized by a large, single root growing vertically downward.
Root tips develop into taproots or fibrous roots. As the root tip grows, cells within it differentiate, divide, and elongate based on their location in the root zone.
No, Mango has a taproot system, with a single, dominant root growing downward. Fibrous roots are found in plants like rice, grass, maize, and bamboo.
Rice, wheat, maize, marigold, banana, and all monocotyledons have fibrous root systems, characterized by thin, branching roots growing from the stem base.
