biogeography

Question 1

what is the difference between taxonomic and physiognomic classification? (provide example of each)

Answer 1

taxononic is based on evolutionary relationships (homo sapiens) and physiognomic classification is based on similarities in structure (trees)

Question 2

can you describe, define and recognize the layers of vegetation in a forest?

Answer 2

moss layer ->herb layer (both make forest floor which has herbs and thallophytes) -> shrub layer (short shrubs and young trees) -> tree layer -> crown layer

Question 3

what is a tree?

Answer 3

perennial, erect, woody plant having a single upright main trunk

Question 4

what is a shrub?

Answer 4

woody plant having several stems branching near the ground

Question 5

what is a liana?

Answer 5

vine, woody stems, perennials in tropical forests

Question 6

what is a herb?

Answer 6

no woody stem, shorter in stature than trees (graminoids, ferns and forbs)

Question 7

what is a forb?

Answer 7

wildflowers, have dendritic or webbed venation

Question 8

what is a graminoid?

Answer 8

have parallel venation (grasses, sedges and rushes), reproduce via seeds

Question 9

what is an epiphyte?

Answer 9

plants that use other plants as supporting structures, not rooted in the ground and do not take up nutrients and energy from their support plants

Question 10

what is arboreal?

Answer 10

the height of trees, some graminoids can be arboreal

Question 11

what is a deciduous tree and an evergreen tree?

Answer 11

deciduous: sheds leaves for a season
evergreen: keeps leaves year round

Question 12

what is the difference between a forest and a woodland?

Answer 12

the trees in forests are so dense that their crowns create a canopy. In woodland, there is no canopy because trees are spread out.

Question 13

where is the primary way water enters and is lost from plants?

Answer 13

• enters through roots (stems -xylem- then leaves)
• leaves through transpiration mainly from stomata on leaves -> passes through vascular system into substomatal chamber and then diffuses out as CO2 moves in
• moisture can also leave through epidermis

Question 14

what strategies help plants reduce water loss?

Answer 14

• reducing loss from epidermis
  -> reduce surface area (spines, round shape), thick waxy coating, reduce number of stomata or reduce amount of time they are open
• obtain and store water
  -> deep roots and storage in leaves, stems or roots (succulents)
• die and reproduce before you do
• take on deciduous habit

Question 15

how would you characterize a xerophytic plant?

Answer 15

plant that are adapted to droughty conditions

Question 16

what is a thallophyte?

Answer 16

close to the ground, has no wood or vascular system (lichen, mosses, liverwort)

Question 17

what is taxonomic classification?

Answer 17

all living things are classified by the binomial system of nomenclature, the Linnaen system

Question 18

what are afforestation, reforestation and deforestation?

Answer 18

afforestation: planting new forests on land that historically has not contained forest
reforestation: planting forests on land which have historically contained forest but has been converted for some other land use
deforestation: conversion of forests to non-forests