Standard Science Primary 5 Systems

Ravi carefully pulled a weed from the garden, breaking off most of its fine roots in the process. He replanted it in a pot of moist soil. Why did the weed wilt and die after a few days?

A It could not make enough food without its roots.
B It absorbed too much water from the new soil.
C The stem could no longer support the leaves.
D It could not absorb enough water and mineral salts.
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Worked Solution

Step 1: The primary function of roots, especially the fine root hairs, is to absorb water and mineral salts from the soil. Step 2: Breaking off these roots severely limits the plant's ability to take in water. Step 3: Without sufficient water, the plant cannot maintain its structure or perform photosynthesis, causing it to wilt and die.

Correct answer: It could not absorb enough water and mineral salts.

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