Which type of meristem is located at the tips of roots and shoots?

Apical meristems are responsible for the primary growth of plants, which occurs at the tips of roots and shoots. This type of meristem allows for the elongation of these parts, facilitating vertical growth and helping the plant to access resources such as light and nutrients. The cells in the apical meristem are undifferentiated and capable of continuous division, which contributes to this growth. This growth is crucial early in a plant's life for establishing a robust structure and improving its chances of survival in its environment.

Lateral meristems, found in the cambium and cork cambia, are involved in secondary growth, which increases the thickness of the plant rather than its height. Aerial meristems, while sometimes a term used in certain contexts, do not specifically refer to a recognized meristematic tissue type in the same way as the others. Intercalary meristems are located at the bases of leaves or internodes in certain plants, such as grasses, aiding in growth but not specifically at the tips of shoots and roots. Thus, the unique location and function of apical meristems make them the correct answer for this question.