Question

Differentiate between Cycas root and Pinus root.

Answer 1

Cycas is a genus that is commonly called as cycads where Pinus is called as pines. They both contain two different types of roots that range in different species. The main function of these roots is mainly absorption of nutrients and water from the soil.

Complete answer-
Before getting to the answer let us first infer about the Cycas and Pinus species.
Cycas - Cycas is a genus with short and palm- like trees that is commonly called cycads. They are believed to have evolved in the Permian around 280 million years ago. Today around 305 species of Cycas have been identified all over the globe. But around 70% of species of Cycas are native to Australia, South Africa, China, Vietnam and Mexico. The stem of these species is generally covered with a corky bark and at its end the leaves occur as a crown. They contain large, hard and elongated leaves. Some Cycas shed their leaves in the dry seasons. The roots of Cycas have a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen- fixing bacteria.
Pinus - Pinus is a genus with coniferous trees that is commonly called as pines which belong to division Pinophyta. There have been 115 pine species that have been identified worldwide. Most of these species are native to the Northern Hemisphere. They can grow up to 147 feet with diameter of their crown upto 30 feet. The bark is generally thick and scaly that appear along with the common, spiral point of the stem. They are evergreen and their leaves are needle- like. They are called monoecious plants that produce male and female cones on the same tree. The seed of these species contain wings and they are generally pollinated by wind.
DIFFERENCE:

Pinus ROOTS	Cycas ROOT
1. Pinus roots are taproots and coralloid.	1. The roots of Cycas are generally tap root and mycorrhizal roots.
2. The roots of Pinus have a symbiotic relationship with the nitrogen fixing bacteria.	2. The roots of Cycas do not contain any symbiotic relationship.

Note-
Cycas is a species that are generally short trees which are generally palm-like whereas Pinus is a genus with coniferous trees. Cycas have a leafy- crown at the top of the stem and are dioecious. When we talk about Pinus , they produce branches and their leaves are needle- like and are monoecious. The main difference in both the species can be studied by inferring their general characteristics.