What type of roots are primarily responsible for absorbing water and nutrients needed by a tree?

Feeder roots are primarily responsible for absorbing water and nutrients needed by a tree. These roots are typically found in the upper layer of the soil, where moisture and nutrients are most abundant. Their structure is adapted for maximizing the surface area available for absorption, often being thin and spreading out widely. This allows trees to efficiently gather the essential resources they need for growth and overall health.

In contrast, tap roots serve a different purpose. They grow deep into the soil to anchor the tree and provide stability, but they are not the main roots involved in the absorption of water and nutrients. Support roots arise to help stabilize the tree, especially in windy or unstable environments, while stilt roots develop to support the tree in wet conditions or poor soil. These types of roots may assist the tree structurally but do not play a significant role in the absorption of water and nutrients. Therefore, feeder roots are the key players in a tree's ability to thrive, making them the correct answer to the question.