What type of plants have woody stem structures and visible annual growth rings?

The correct choice is centered on the characteristics of woody plants, which are defined by their structure and growth patterns. Woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, have stems that are hardened and woody, providing support and allowing them to grow taller. The visible annual growth rings are a key feature of these plants, as they indicate the amount of growth that occurred in a specific year. These rings are formed due to the growth patterns of the plant and can provide insights into age and environmental conditions during different growth periods.

In contrast, herbaceous plants typically have softer, non-woody stems and do not produce the distinct growth rings seen in woody plants. Annual plants complete their life cycle within a single growing season, going from seed to flowering to seed again without the structural changes associated with woody plants. Perennials can have woody or herbaceous structures, but not all perennials form visible growth rings like woody plants do. Thus, the defining characteristics of woody plants make them the correct choice for this question regarding woody stem structures and annual growth rings.