In lower plants like mosses, the structure which performs the functions of roots of higher...

Explanation

In lower plants like mosses, the structure that performs the functions of roots of higher plants is called rhizoids. Rhizoids are hair-like structures that extend from the lower part of the moss plant into the soil. They help to anchor the plant to the ground and absorb water and minerals from the soil. Rhizoids are not true roots as they do not have specialized tissues like root caps, root hairs, and rootlets. Instead, they are simple structures made up of a few cells. Root hairs are extensions of the epidermal cells of the root and are found in higher plants. They increase the surface area of the root and help in the absorption of water and minerals. Rootlets, on the other hand, are small roots that branch off from larger roots. Hyphae are thread-like structures that are found in fungi and some bacteria. They help in the absorption of nutrients from the environment. Thalli are the vegetative bodies of some algae, fungi, and lichens. It is important to note that while rhizoids perform similar functions to the roots of higher plants, they are not true roots and are structurally different. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.