Which root system is typical of dicots?

• A. Taproot system
• B. Fibrous root system
• C. Prop roots
• D. Adventitious roots

Answer: (A)

Dicots typically have a taproot system, where the primary root, the radicle, grows downward as the main root and produces lateral roots. This creates a strong vertical axis that can penetrate deeper soil and store nutrients in many dicot species. Monocots, by contrast, usually develop a fibrous root system with many thin roots of similar size spreading near the soil surface. Some dicots may show adventitious or fibrous roots in certain situations, but the hallmark pattern for dicots is the prominent taproot. Prop roots are aerial support roots and aren’t the standard underground taproot system.