Chapter 1 - What Is Plant Biology?

Question 1

Hypothesis

Answer 1

An tentative, unproven explanation for something that has been observed

Question 2

Plant anatomy

Answer 2

Field of study concerned with the internal structure of plants. Used to determine facts about the past (such as past climates from ancient tree rings) also to help solve crimes (plant tissue under fingernails).

Question 3

Plant physiology

Answer 3

Field of study concerned with plant function

Question 4

Plant taxonomy

Answer 4

Field of study to describe, name, and classify plants

Question 5

Plant systematics

Answer 5

Field of study related to but broader than taxonomy. The science of developing methods for grouping organisms.

Question 6

Plant geography

Answer 6

Study of how and why plants are distributed where they are

Question 7

Plant morphology

Answer 7

Study of form and structure of plants, and life-cycle.

Question 8

Plant ecology

Answer 8

Study of the interaction of plants with one another and with their environment

Question 9

Genetics

Answer 9

Science of heredity

Question 10

Cell biology

Answer 10

The science of cell structure and function

Question 11

Economic botany/ethnobotany

Answer 11

Study of the practical uses of plants and plant products for food, medicines, fibers, and other purposes

Question 12

Scientific method

Answer 12

Following a routine series of steps to test a hypothesis:

• make an observation
• make a hypothesis
• start with the simplest explanation
• test hypothesis with controlled experiments
• form a theory

Question 13

Botany

Answer 13

The study of plants