True or False: Removing terminal buds can lead to increased sprouting from lateral buds.

Removing terminal buds can indeed lead to increased sprouting from lateral buds, making the statement true. This phenomenon occurs due to a process known as apical dominance, where the terminal bud exerts control over the growth of lateral buds through growth regulators, primarily auxins. When the terminal bud is removed, this dominance is disrupted, causing the lateral buds to grow more vigorously.

In essence, without the influence of the terminal bud, the balance of hormones shifts, allowing the previously suppressed lateral buds to become more active. This can result in a bushier plant as new shoots emerge from these lateral buds. It’s important to note that this response may vary depending on the specific plant species and the conditions in which they are growing, but in general, the removal of terminal buds tends to stimulate lateral growth.