If the apical meristem of a mature plant is removed, the plant will most likely

A. lose its ability to develop new roots.

B. show a dramatic and rapid increase in height.

C. develop apical dominance and begin to flower.

D. lose apical dominance and grow lateral branches

The answer is D. lose apical dominance and grow lateral branches

Apical meristem is a meristem tissue found at the branch tips. When it is active, tree grows in height and the lateral branches will not be as dominant. Imagine conifers and their branches. However, when apical meristem is removed, that apical dominance will be lost, and the lateral branches will become more dominant, so the tree will look more branchy.