Question:

Annual rings in the woody dicot stem

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Annual rings are widest at the base and gradually decrease in diameter towards the apex, reflecting the pattern of secondary growth in dicot stems.
Updated On: Jun 19, 2026
  • Decrease towards top of the woody dicot stem
  • Increase towards top of the woody dicot stem
  • Remains constant in the woody dicot stem
  • Decrease towards base of the dicot stem
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding annual rings.
Annual rings (or growth rings) are concentric rings in the secondary xylem of woody dicot stems formed due to seasonal variations in growth rate.
- In temperate regions, they result from differences in the size of xylem vessels formed during spring (larger vessels) and summer/fall (smaller vessels).

Step 2: Variation along stem height.

- At the base of the stem, the diameter of annual rings is larger due to more active cambial activity.
- As we move toward the top, the diameter of rings decreases because the cambium becomes less active and less xylem is produced.

Step 3: Conclusion.

Hence, annual rings decrease in size towards the top of the woody dicot stem.
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