Root structures are the parts of a plant that anchor it to the soil and absorb water and nutrients. They typically consist of a main root, called the taproot, which grows deep into the ground, and smaller lateral roots that spread out horizontally. This system helps stabilize the plant and allows it to access resources from a larger area. Different plants have varying root structures adapted to their environments. For example, grasses have fibrous root systems that spread widely near the surface, while carrots develop thick taproots to store energy. These adaptations help plants survive in diverse conditions.