Which plant is given as an example of a Tap Root System?

• A. Mustard
• B. Wheat
• C. Rice
• D. Banana

Answer: (A)

A tap root system has a single, thick primary root that grows downward from the seed’s radicle, with smaller lateral roots branching off from it. This pattern is common in many dicotyledonous plants. Mustard fits this description because it develops a dominant main root from the radicle that extends deep into the soil, with side roots arising from it. In contrast, wheat and rice are monocots and typically show a fibrous root system made up of many roots of similar size arising from the base of the stem, not a single dominant root. Banana, also a monocot, similarly relies on a fibrous/adventitious root network rather than a true tap root. So mustard is the plant that exemplifies a tap root system.