EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The division of the apical meristem into two independently functioning axes is defined as dichotomous branching. This type of branching typically occurs in non-vascular and non-seed vascular plants, whereas in seed plants it presents a primary growth form only in several taxa.

Detailed explanation-2: -Introduction. Regular branching allows plants to expand and adapt to the environment. There are two major types of shoot branching: lateral (axillary), which involves the formation of a primordial bud in the organogenic zone of the apex, and terminal (dichotomous), which is an outcome of the meristem bifurcation.

Detailed explanation-3: -Our data indicate that dichotomous root branching evolved in both lycophytes and euphyllophytes. Lateral roots then evolved at different times in three major lineages of extant euphyllophytes-the lignophytes, ferns and horsetails.

Detailed explanation-4: -Dichotomous branching is a distinctive feature of liverworts e.g. Riccia, Marchantia, Pellia, etc. It is a basic form of branching. It is also called forked branching. In liverworts, the thallus is flat and dorsiventral, and dichotomously branched.

Detailed explanation-5: -Example Dichotomous Key Example objects to identify: apple tree, water-lily, fir tree, dandelion, astroturf, seaweed.