Which statement about the development of a tap root is correct?

• A. Found only in monocots
• B. Always shallow and widespread
• C. Develops from a radicle and grows downward as the primary root
• D. Is found in no seed plants

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a taproot starts from the embryonic root, the radicle, and the radicle grows downward to become the principal root. This downward-growing primary root is what defines a taproot system. As it develops, lateral roots sprout from the taproot to expand the root surface for absorption. Because of this, the statement that the taproot develops from a radicle and grows downward as the primary root accurately captures its origin and orientation.

It isn’t restricted to monocots; monocots typically rely on a fibrous root system with many small roots instead of one dominant vertical root. Taproots aren’t necessarily shallow; they can grow quite deep to access water or nutrients. And taproots are found in many seed plants, not in no seed plants.