Lab 8: plant explorations

Question 1

learning objectives

Answer 1

• > Compare and contrast adaptive characteristics between two or more plants.
• > Support answers to proposed questions or hypotheses about plant adaptations with qualitative and quantitative data.
• > Describe structure/function relationships for plants from different environments, even if organs are modified, and relate environmental stressors to plant adaptations.
• > Read a biome, climate, or other type graph and identify patterns and trends.
• > Organize data in graphs and tables, and apply descriptive statistics to data and interpret its meaning.

Question 2

bar graph

Answer 2

compare qualitative data or summary data across categories, variables, or subjects

Question 3

scatter plot

Answer 3

look at sample spread or a possible relationship between variables for paired data

Question 4

histogram

Answer 4

look at the frequency of occurrence for particular value ranges of a variable

Question 5

quanitification and scaling global plant trait diversity

Answer 5

• leaf area
• wood density
• seed mass
• plant height

Question 6

natural selection requires:

Answer 6

1. Trait exists in more than one genetic variety in the population
2. Trait increases fitness in the population
3. Trait passed on to offspring in the population

Question 7

angiosperms- shoot system

Answer 7

consists of stems and leaves, in which photosynthesis takes place

Question 8

coevolution

Answer 8

occurs when two ecologically interacting species influence each other’s characteristics

Question 9

an example where coevolution was detrimental

Answer 9

it is Brighamia, a genus of plants endemic to the Hawaiian Islands

Question 10

embryophytes

Answer 10

the “embryo” is protected by parent-derived tissue. Embryophytes form monophyletic groupings (i.e., clades) based on current data. They are naturally placed into five clades, the Bryophytes, Lycophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms, with Angiosperms being the most modern member

These five clades can be simplified into two major groups: non-vascular plants (Bryophytes), which include the liverworts, hornworts, and mosses, and vascular plants (Tracheophytes), which include the remaining four clades.

Question 11

how did land plants evolve to endure the stresses on land?

Answer 11

evolutionary traits called synapomorphies that are related to their success on land

earliest adaptation includes the cuticle

Question 12

angiosperms

Answer 12

can be split into 2 groups: monocots and the eudicots

-> Monocots have a single embryonic cotyledon embryonic leaves of seed plants) , while eudicots have two.

Question 13

root

Answer 13

responsible for anchoring the plant in the soil, absorbing water and minerals, and producing certain hormones. Some roots are also known as the storage organs of a plant due to their ability to store great amounts of water and nutrients.

Question 14

stem

Answer 14

holds the leaves or flowers and transports and distributes materials among the other organs of the plant

Question 15

leaves

Answer 15

are the main sites for photosynthesis.

Question 16

flowers

Answer 16

reproductive sites

Question 17

xerophytes

Answer 17

adapted to hot, dry habitats
The outer skin is usually tough and waxy to prevent water loss. Leaves are often absent and replaced with spines. Both spines and pubescence (hair) aid in heat dissipation and deter herbivory. The root systems in xerophytes vary for different water-access strategies—deep taproots burrow into the soil and access underground water while others have fibrous roots with many hairs, some of which are shallow enough to quickly absorb moisture from morning dew or from brief rain showers. Other root systems possess water-storing tubers

photosynthesis usually occurs in the stem

Question 18

Some aquatic plants possess aerenchyma tissue that is filled with air and helps gas-exchange in plants subjected to flood conditions.

Answer 18

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