Annual rings are bands of -

Options

A. Secondary xylem and vascular rays
B. Secondary phloem and vascular rays
C. Secondary vascular tissues
D. Cork and vascular cortex

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Annual Rings**: Annual rings, also known as growth rings, are formed in the stems of trees and woody plants. They represent the growth of the plant during a single year.

2. **Components of Annual Rings**: The annual rings are primarily made up of secondary xylem (also referred to as secondary wood). This is the tissue responsible for the transport of water and minerals.

3. **Role of Vascular Cambium**: The vascular cambium is a layer of meristematic tissue that is responsible for the production of secondary xylem and secondary phloem. It is more active during the growing season, particularly in spring.

4. **Seasonal Growth Variations**: During spring, the cambium is highly active, leading to the formation of lighter-colored, larger cells (early wood or spring wood). In contrast, during the late summer and autumn, the cambium activity decreases, resulting in the formation of darker, denser cells (late wood or autumn wood).

5. **Formation of the Annual Ring**: Each year, the combination of early wood and late wood forms a distinct band or ring. Thus, the annual rings consist of secondary xylem and vascular rays, which help in the radial transport of nutrients and water.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the annual rings are bands of secondary xylem along with vascular rays.

### Final Answer:
**Annual rings are bands of secondary xylem along with vascular rays.**

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