Why are root vegetables coloured when noone can see them?

Answer 1

I'm taking a bit of a guess here but....

For one thing it could have to do with the specific enzymes that the plant produces. For instance betacarotein being more likely to turn carrots orange etc (I mean you'll turn kind of orange if you eat too many).

Also, as other people have said it could have to do with how these plants have been domesticated. Think about it, if you're selecting which plants to harvest and plant again you're more likely to see the colourful ones and hence they're more likely to get used as tubers or seeds in the following year. As such their offspring are more likely to be colourful etc etc until we get very colourful root veggies.

Ugh... I think I just came up with an evolutionary theory of root veggies.... hahahha

Cheers,

Answer 2

Many root vegetables have been bred to be more colourful. The wild ancestors have plain-looking roots
eg. wild carrot, Daucus carota
and wild radish, Raphanus raphanistrum
...
If you want a REALLY vivid example of what I mean take a look at this:
http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/photos/wild2.JPG

Answer 3

Carrots are the terrific occasion of a "root" vegetable. they are faucet roots to be appropriate. Potatoes, on the different hand, improve interior the floor only as carrots do yet are actually not root yet tuber vegetables. Sandy :O)

Answer 4

What? Besides don't you see the colour when you pull it up?

The colours are caused by compounds in the vegetables. The orange of carrots is caused by Beta Carotene. They aren't coloured for our pleasure.

Answer 5

because they like to keep us in the dark about some thinks their roots are not all evil

Answer 6

If no-one can see them, how do you know theyre coloured eh?

Answer 7

Why is your blood red and poo brown?

Answer 8

for the same reason worms sing .

Answer 9

i like the first answer - QUALITY!