Growth Habit Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 6

Question 1

What does growth habit describe?

Answer 1

The overall appearance, shape, and growth form of a plant

Question 2

List examples of growth habit adaptations.

Answer 2

• Low to ground (alpines)
• Perennial
• Woody
• Evergreen
• Deciduous

Question 3

What advantages do growth habit adaptations provide to plants?

Answer 3

• Optimising microclimates
• Surviving adverse winter conditions
• Ecological services

Question 4

What is a tree?

Answer 4

A woody plant that can support itself, usually with one or a few main stems

Question 5

Name two examples of trees.

Answer 5

• Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon)
• Sorbus ‘Joseph Rock’ (Rowan ‘Joseph Rock’)

Question 6

What distinguishes shrubs from trees?

Answer 6

Shrubs are shorter, multi-stemmed, and branch from relatively low down

Question 7

What are subshrubs?

Answer 7

Very small shrubs, often creeping, that grow in exposed places

Question 8

What are the functions of tendrils and adhesive pads in climbers?

Answer 8

• Avoid the worst of the wind
• Gain height without a woody stem
• Compete for light
• Gather extra nutrients

Question 9

Define herbs in a botanical sense.

Answer 9

Herbaceous plants, which are non-woody and include grasses, bulbs, and herbaceous Eudicots

Question 10

What is a rosette growth habit?

Answer 10

A circular arrangement of leaves from a central point

Question 11

Fill in the blank: Trees with a _______ habit grow upwards with a strongly elongated form.

Answer 11

[fastigiate]

Question 12

What is a cushion form in plants?

Answer 12

A tightly packed growth form that helps plants survive in cold, windy habitats

Question 13

What is the lifecycle of a perennial plant?

Answer 13

Lives for three or more years

Question 14

True or False: Monocarpic plants flower and set seed repeatedly.

Answer 14

False

Question 15

What advantages do deciduous plants have during winter months?

Answer 15

Avoid energy expenditure on leaves that are not needed during cold months

Question 16

Name an example of a deciduous plant.

Answer 16

• Laburnum anagyroides (common laburnum)
• Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose)

Question 17

What is the primary characteristic of evergreen plants?

Answer 17

They retain their leaves throughout the year

Question 18

What is the advantage of evergreen plants retaining leaves all year?

Answer 18

They can photosynthesize and grow whenever conditions are suitable

Question 19

What is the role of waxy or glossy coatings on evergreen leaves?

Answer 19

To protect against water loss during dry winter or summer months

Question 20

What are evergreens?

Answer 20

Plants that retain their leaves throughout the year and grow all year at a relatively slow rate.

Evergreens often have waxy or glossy coatings on leaves to protect against water loss.

Question 21

Why do evergreens retain their leaves all year?

Answer 21

To utilize light and water for photosynthesis and growth whenever conditions are suitable.

This allows them to avoid the need for regrowing leaves annually like deciduous plants.

Question 22

What adaptations do evergreen trees from cold climates have?

Answer 22

Branches and shoots angled downwards to shed snow and prevent branch breakage.

This adaptation is crucial for survival in snowy environments.

Question 23

Name an example of a broadleaved evergreen species.

Answer 23

Garrya elliptica (Silk Tasselbush)

Known for its pendulous silver catkins produced from late February to early May.

Question 24

What is a semi-evergreen plant?

Answer 24

A plant that retains some or most of its foliage throughout the year, shedding it in harsher winters.

They may act like an evergreen in mild climates.

Question 25

Provide an example of a semi-evergreen plant.

Answer 25

Daphne bholua (Sweet Daphne)

Another example is Ligustrum ovalifolium (Garden Privet).

Question 26

What is the benefit of planting evergreens and semi-evergreens in Autumn or early Spring?

Answer 26

To avoid water deficiency since they do not go dormant in winter.

This timing allows for warmer soil conditions.

Question 27

What are some terms used to describe plant types?

Answer 27

• Broadleaved evergreen
• Deciduous shrub
• Evergreen herbaceous perennial
• Spreading shrub
• Mat-forming perennial

Question 28

How does plant diversity benefit ecosystems?

Answer 28

Leads to diversity of animals and fungi, creating numerous microhabitats for various species.

This includes shelter and nesting places for invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

Question 29

What are tendrils used for in climbing plants?

Answer 29

To gain height without a woody stem and compete for light.

They also include adhesive pads, modified roots, and twining stems.

Question 30

What is the difference between monocarpic and polycarpic plants?

Answer 30

Monocarpic plants flower once, set seed, and die; polycarpic plants flower and set seed repeatedly.

This affects their reproductive strategies.

Question 31

List the lifecycle advantages of perennial plants.

Answer 31

• Develop woody stems for support
• Reproduce vegetatively and through seed
• Produce seed year after year

Question 32

What is the advantage of not having leaves during winter?

Answer 32

Reduces energy usage and water loss through transpiration.

It also minimizes wind damage risk and allows for nutrient recycling through decaying leaves.

Question 33

What types of plants are suitable for a spring display in gardens?

Answer 33

Annuals or bulbs.

These plants provide vibrant colors and interest at the start of the growing season.

Question 34

True or False: Evergreens go dormant in winter.

Answer 34

False.

Evergreens and semi-evergreens remain active and require care to avoid water deficiency.