NCERT Class 6 Science: Difference between Taproots and Fibrous Roots

By Aakash

The plant contains different parts. They are root, stem, branches, leaves and flowers.

Root:  Root is a part of the plant that attaches plants with soil and involves in the absorption and transportation of water and mineral nutrients.

There are two major categories of root systems, tap root system and fibrous root system.

Tap root system has a strong main root in the middle. And around the main root, lateral roots are present. Example: Beans, Hibiscus.

Fibrous root system Fibrous root system has numerous roots of the same size. Example: Grass, Rice.

Differences between the tap root system and fibrous root system:

In the tap root system, the main root is known as the tap root. Whereas, in the fibrous root system, there is no main root.

In the tap root system, all the roots are not equal in length.  Whereas, in the fibrous root system, all roots are equal in length.

The tap root system penetrates deep into the soil.  Whereas, the fibrous root system does not penetrate deep into the soil.

The tap root system is present in dicot plants. And the fibrous root system is present in monocot plants.

In the tap root system, the main root is thick and strong. The lateral roots are thin.