Arrange the stages in the growth of a typical woody plant from earliest to latest. a) Fruits b) Roots c) Trunks (main stem) d) Leaves e) Flowers f) Branches

Introduction / Context:
Plant development proceeds through anatomical structures that support later functions. Roots appear early for anchorage and water uptake. The main stem or trunk establishes vertical growth, branches expand the canopy, leaves perform photosynthesis, flowers enable reproduction, and fruits develop after successful fertilization. Understanding this order clarifies how structure supports function.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider a generalized woody plant life history.
• Roots precede shoot thickening and canopy expansion.
• Leaves form before flowering to supply energy.
• Fruits form after flowering.

Concept / Approach:
Use functional dependency: roots are needed for nutrient uptake, trunk supports height, branches increase leaf bearing area, leaves supply energy enabling flowering, and fruits are the reproductive product of flowers. Therefore the natural progression is roots -> trunk -> branches -> leaves -> flowers -> fruits.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Roots (b) establish anchorage and absorption.Step 2: Trunk (c) grows to lift canopy.Step 3: Branches (f) spread to host leaves.Step 4: Leaves (d) photosynthesize to fuel growth.Step 5: Flowers (e) form for reproduction.Step 6: Fruits (a) develop from flowers.

Verification / Alternative check:
In many species, juvenile vegetative growth precedes reproductive phases. Fruiting without prior flowering is impossible, confirming that flowers precede fruits. Likewise leaves generally appear before reproductive organs to support energy demands.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• b, f, c, d, e, a: Branching before trunk establishment is unlikely.
• c, b, f, d, e, a: Trunk cannot precede initial root formation.
• b, c, d, f, e, a: Leaves before branches reduces structural support.
• b, c, f, e, d, a: Flowers before leaves contradict typical energy needs.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing flowers and fruits or assuming leaves always come first in every species. Some plants have variations, but the generalized woody pattern used here remains educationally standard.

Final Answer:
b, c, f, d, e, a