A root system composed of many thin roots that spread out near the soil surface is called what?

• A. Fibrous Roots
• B. Taproot System
• C. Adventitious Roots
• D. Prop Roots

Answer: (A)

The description matches a fibrous root system. This type is made up of many slender roots that spread out close to the soil surface, forming a dense, shallow network. It provides quick access to moisture and nutrients in the upper soil layers and helps stabilize the soil. By contrast, a taproot system has one main central root that grows downward with smaller lateral roots, while adventitious roots arise from non-root tissues like stems or leaves, and prop roots are a specialized adventitious type that supports the plant. So the shallow, widely spread mat described is characteristic of fibrous roots.