Which of the following is an example of a rhizome?

A rhizome is a type of modified underground stem that grows horizontally beneath the soil. Rhizomes allow plants to store nutrients, survive adverse conditions, and propagate vegetatively. They differ from roots because they have nodes, internodes, buds, and leaves, which can give rise to new shoots and roots.

Among the given options, ginger is a classic example of a rhizome. Ginger plants grow from underground stems that spread horizontally. New shoots emerge from nodes on the rhizome, allowing the plant to reproduce and expand its coverage. Rhizomes also store food, which provides energy for growth and survival during unfavorable seasons.

Other plants in the list are different structures:

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  Carrot is a taproot, primarily used for storing nutrients but not for horizontal growth or vegetative propagation.

  
  


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  Tomato is a herbaceous plant that grows from a stem, not a rhizome.

  
  


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  Garlic is a bulb, another modified underground structure, but its function and structure are different from rhizomes.

  
  

Rhizomes are important in plant propagation and agriculture. Many plants, such as ginger, turmeric, sugarcane, and some ferns, use rhizomes to spread quickly without relying on seeds. This adaptation also helps them survive environmental stress like drought or cold, as the underground stem protects the vital parts of the plant.

Understanding rhizomes is fundamental in plant biology, as it illustrates how plants adapt for survival and reproduction. These structures are an excellent example of how plants use specialized organs to grow efficiently and propagate themselves. In short, ginger is an example of a rhizome, showing the unique function of underground stems in plant life.