Question

what is meant by modifications of root? What type of modification of root is found in the:

(a) Banyan tree (b) Turnip (c) mangrove trees

Answer 1

Structural and functional changes in the roots to adapt to their environment are called root modifications.

a) Banyan tree: It has prop roots hanging from its branches to support its massive structure

b) Turnip: The root is round and modified to store reserve food

c) Mangroves: Pneumatophores or breathing roots arise upwards from the ground for breathing of roots. Mangroves is swampy places where the air spaces are blocked with water hence the roots cannot breathe. Hence these aerial root modifications.