Question

What is dichotomous branching?

Answer 1

In dichotomous branching, two branches of equal thickness are formed at every point of branching.

Explanation:

To understand dichotomous branching one should understand lateral branching , which is most common type of branching in plants.

In lateral branching, main stem continues to grow by the activity of apical meristem and lateral branches develop from axillary meristems that originate from the apical meristems at the time of origin of leaf primordia.

In contrast to this in dichotomous branching, the growth of apical meristem is not indefinite as in lateral branching. After growing some distance, the apical meristem divides into two equal parts., each develops into a branch.

This process is repeated at every time the branch divides and two branches of equal magnitude are formed.