Annual rings are the bands of

Options

A. Secondary cortex and cork
B. All secondary vascular tissue
C. Secondary xylem and xylem rays
D. Secondary phloem and medullary rays

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Annual Rings**: Annual rings, also known as growth rings, are layers of xylem that form in the stems and roots of trees and shrubs as they grow. Each ring represents one year of growth.

2. **Identifying the Components**: The question provides several options regarding what annual rings consist of. The key components to consider are:
- Secondary cortex and cork
- Secondary vascular tissues
- Secondary xylem and xylem rays
- Secondary phloem and medullary rays

3. **Analyzing Each Option**:
- **Secondary Cortex and Cork**: These tissues are not involved in the formation of annual rings. They serve different functions in the plant.
- **Secondary Vascular Tissues**: This option is too broad and includes both xylem and phloem. Annual rings are specifically associated with xylem.
- **Secondary Xylem and Xylem Rays**: This option is correct. Annual rings are formed by the secondary xylem, which includes both the xylem rays and the growth layers that contribute to the rings.
- **Secondary Phloem and Medullary Rays**: Similar to the first option, phloem is not involved in the formation of annual rings.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that annual rings are the bands of **secondary xylem and xylem rays**.

**Final Answer**: Annual rings are the bands of secondary xylem and xylem rays.

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