Which of the following is an example of a plant that reproduces asexually through rhizomes?

The correct answer is Fern.

Key Points

• Ferns reproduce asexually through underground stems called rhizomes.
• Rhizomes are horizontal stems that grow underground, allowing ferns to spread and produce new plants.
• This type of asexual reproduction helps ferns establish colonies in favorable environments quickly.
• Ferns also reproduce sexually via spores, but rhizomes are a primary method for vegetative propagation.
• Other plants that use rhizomes for reproduction include ginger and bamboo, though these are distinct from ferns.

Additional Information

• Rhizomes: Underground stems that grow horizontally, producing roots and shoots at nodes. They are a key structure for vegetative reproduction in many plants.
• Asexual reproduction: A mode of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes, resulting in offspring genetically identical to the parent.
• Spores: Ferns produce spores for sexual reproduction. These microscopic structures are released from sporangia on the underside of fronds.
• Vegetative propagation: A form of asexual reproduction where new plants grow from parts of the parent plant such as stems, roots, or leaves.
• Examples of rhizomatous plants: Apart from ferns, plants like ginger, turmeric, and bamboo also use rhizomes for propagation.