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Taproot versus Fibrous Root Systems

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State

A taproot system has one deep main root with few laterals, typical of dicots; a fibrous system spreads a dense, shallow network typical of monocots.

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A dandelion's taproot regrows a shoot from any leftover fragment; lawn grass's fibrous roots resist erosion near the surface.

Watch for

Root type correlates with monocot versus dicot status but is not defining — some plants combine both forms.