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Why do trees have roots?


Why do trees have roots?
Plants


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by Mya Kagan (whyzz writer) >> more about the author

Why do trees have roots?
 

Have you ever noticed that almost all plants are made up of the same essential parts? Think about some things that almost every plant has in common: Roots, leaves, and stems or trunks!

Tree and plant roots have a few different jobs, but one of their most important jobs is getting water and nutrients for the tree or plant! The roots of trees and plants usually live buried down in the ground, where they absorb (take in) water from the ground and important nutrients from the soil. The roots send the water and nutrients up to the rest of the plant, and in turn, the plant uses them to make food and then sends this nourishment down to the roots to help them grow bigger and stronger!

Roots also help to keep the tree or plant in place. Without any roots to “tie” them to the ground, a big tall tree or a heavy plant might wobble and fall down! (Next time it’s really windy, watch the way the trees withstand all of that force. – It’s thanks to their roots!)

Because roots are so important to the survival of a plant, they often grow to some pretty amazing lengths: Most trees have root systems that stretch out two to four times further than their branches!




Root for it!

When a new seed is planted, the very first thing that will grow its roots! Why do you think a plant would need to grow its roots first, before the stem, trunk, or leaves of the plant start to come in?

To see root germination for yourself, try placing some seeds on plate lined with a few layers of wet paper towels in the morning. Cover the plate and seeds with a bowl or lid and check back on them in the evening, after about 12 hours. Do you notice that the seeds have gotten bigger? – They’re swelling up as they absorb the water on the towels!

Continue checking in on your seeds once or twice a day for each of the next few days. Before you know it, you’ll start to see a tiny root poking out of each seed! After a few days, if you want the seeds to continue growing, you’ll have to plant them in a pot with soil so they can also start to absorb all of the wonderful nutrients they need, too!













Posted by  sureshree  on 2009-11-10 08:59:22  

Why roots?

Reason #2: 'cause roots help plants suck up nutrients from ground / soil,