AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Buttress roots also known as plank roots are large, wide roots on all sides of a shallowly rooted tree. Typically, they are found in nutrient-poor tropical forest soils that may not be very deep. They prevent the tree from falling over (hence the name buttress) while also gathering more nutrients.

Detailed explanation-2: -Buttress roots also absorb oxygen directly from the air. This is a big help to the tree because it is difficult for the underground roots to absorb oxygen in the often waterlogged shallow soil of the rainforest.

Detailed explanation-3: -Buttress roots are aerial extensions of lateral surface roots and form only in certain species. Buttress roots stabilize the tree, especially in shallow saturated soils, thereby resisting toppling.

Detailed explanation-4: -Trees which rise to the emergent layer are massive. Many are braced by huge buttress roots. Trunks can be 16 feet in circumference. Many animals that survive in the emergent layer never touch the ground.

Detailed explanation-5: -Buttress roots are found in Terminalia, Salmalia, Ficus, and Bombax etc. These buttress roots resist toppling in trees because they provide stability.