The type of meristems occurring in grasses and regenerate parts removed by grazing herbivores

Options

A. Intercalary meristems
B. Lateral meristems
C. Secondary meristems
D. Cork cambium

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Type of Plant**: The question refers to grasses, which are classified as monocotyledons (monocots).

2. **Understand the Types of Meristems**: In monocots like grasses, there are two main types of meristems:
- **Apical Meristem**: Located at the tips of roots and shoots, responsible for primary growth.
- **Intercalary Meristem**: Found at the base of leaves or internodes, allowing for growth in length after grazing or cutting.

3. **Evaluate the Role of Meristems in Grasses**:
- The apical meristem contributes to the growth of the plant's height and root depth.
- The intercalary meristem is crucial for the regeneration of parts that may be lost due to grazing by herbivores. This meristem allows for regrowth of the grass after it has been grazed.

4. **Eliminate Incorrect Options**:
- **Lateral Meristem**: This type is responsible for secondary growth (thickening) and is absent in monocots, so it cannot be the answer.
- **Secondary Meristem**: This term is not applicable here as it refers to meristems involved in secondary growth, which grasses do not have.
- **Cork Cambium**: This is a type of lateral meristem involved in producing bark in woody plants, not applicable to grasses.

5. **Conclude with the Correct Answer**: The type of meristem that occurs in grasses and helps regenerate parts removed by grazing herbivores is the **intercalary meristem**.

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