Balancing roots are characterised by

Options

A. Abundant branching
B. Root pockets
C. Sparse growth
D. Abundant aerenchyma.

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Understanding Balancing Roots**:
- Balancing roots are specialized structures found in certain aquatic plants, particularly hydrophytes. They are primarily associated with free-floating plants.

2. **Function of Balancing Roots**:
- The main purpose of balancing roots is to provide stability and balance to the plant while it floats on water. This is crucial for maintaining an upright position in a fluctuating aquatic environment.

3. **Characteristics of Balancing Roots**:
- **Branching**: Balancing roots are typically poorly branched or unbranched. This means they do not exhibit abundant branching, which distinguishes them from other types of roots.
- **Root Pockets**: Instead of having a traditional root cap, balancing roots have root pockets. These pockets serve a protective function for the roots.
- **Growth**: Contrary to sparse growth, balancing roots exhibit a cluster formation, indicating that they have a good growth pattern.
- **Aranchyma**: The presence of abundant aerenchyma is characteristic of climbing roots, not balancing roots.

4. **Examples of Plants with Balancing Roots**:
- Common examples of plants that possess balancing roots include *Eichhornia* (water hyacinth) and *Pistia* (water lettuce).

5. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Abundant Branching**: Incorrect, as balancing roots are poorly branched or unbranched.
- **Root Pockets**: Correct, as balancing roots have root pockets instead of root caps.
- **Sparse Growth**: Incorrect, as balancing roots grow in clusters.
- **Abundant Aerenchyma**: Incorrect, as this feature is associated with climbing roots.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The correct characterization of balancing roots is that they have root pockets.

### Final Answer:
Balancing roots are characterized by **root pockets**.

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