1. What is meant by modification of root? What type of modification of root is found in the:
(a) Banyan tree
(b) Turnip
(c) Mangrove trees
Roots are the underground water and mineral-absorbing parts of the plants. Apart from the function of water and mineral absorption, the roots of some plants often modify to perform various other functions such as storage, nitrogen fixation, aeration, support etc. These are called root modifications.
The modification of root found in
(a) Banyan tree- In banyan tree roots modify to support the tree. The banyan tree possesses pillar-like adventitious roots that arise from the aerial part of the stem. These roots grow towards the ground and provide support to the tree. Such roots are called prop roots.
(b) Turnip- The roots of turnip are called napiform roots and help in food storage.
(c) Mangrove tree- These possess roots that modify for oxygen absorption by growing vertically upwards from the soil. These types of roots are called pneumatophores.