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RHS Level 2 Unit 2 > Leaf Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 1 > Flashcards

Leaf Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What are some adaptations of leaves?

A
  • hairy
  • waxy
  • coloured
  • rolled
  • variegated
  • reduced
  • succulent
  • oils
  • aerenchyma cells
  • bulbs

These adaptations help leaves perform multiple functions for plants.

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2
Q

What are the advantages of leaf adaptations for plants?

A
  • reduced transpiration
  • increased humidity
  • reflection of light
  • cooling of leaf
  • storage of water
  • protection from herbivory
  • buoyancy in aquatics

These advantages enhance plant survival and efficiency.

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3
Q

What is the primary function of leaves?

A

Photosynthesis

This is the main process through which leaves convert light energy into chemical energy.

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4
Q

What structure allows leaves to track the sun?

A

Pulvinus

This joint-like structure at the base of the petiole enables movement for optimal light capture.

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5
Q

How do pulvini assist leaves on hot days?

A

They angle leaves to reduce direct sunlight exposure

This adaptation helps prevent overheating of the leaf.

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6
Q

What are shade-tolerant plants adapted to?

A

Low light levels

These plants possess more chlorophyll per cell, resulting in darker green leaves.

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7
Q

What is the characteristic of leaves in habitats with high rainfall?

A

They often have grooves that form drip-tips

This adaptation allows excess water to run off quickly.

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8
Q

What is totipotency in plant cells?

A

The ability of plant cells to differentiate into another type of cell

This allows for propagation from various plant parts.

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9
Q

What type of veins are common in Monocots?

A

Parallel veins

This vein structure is a distinguishing feature of monocotyledons.

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10
Q

What type of veins are common in Eudicots?

A

Networks of veins

This structure is characteristic of eudicotyledons.

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11
Q

What is a drip-tip in leaves?

A

A pointed tip that allows water to run off easily

This feature is particularly useful in high rainfall environments.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: Leaves also cool plants through ______________.

A

transpiration

This process helps regulate temperature in plants.

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13
Q

What are the two main types of leaf arrangements?

A
  • Alternate
  • Opposite
  • Whorled

These arrangements affect light exposure and resource allocation.

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14
Q

What is the difference between simple and compound leaves?

A

Simple leaves consist of a single blade, while compound leaves have multiple leaflets

This classification affects leaf function and morphology.

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15
Q

What type of leaf margin is characterized by being smooth and unbroken?

A

Entire margin

This is a common leaf margin type found in various plant species.

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16
Q

True or False: Shade-intolerant plants have more chlorophyll per cell than shade-tolerant plants.

A

False

Shade-tolerant plants are adapted to low light and have more chlorophyll.

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17
Q

What are the benefits of reduced leaf size?

A

To reduce water loss

This adaptation is crucial in arid environments.

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18
Q

What type of leaves do plants in tropical rainforests typically have?

A

Grooved leaves with drip-tips

These adaptations help manage excess water.

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19
Q

What are some examples of leaf adaptations?

A
  • hairy
  • waxy
  • coloured
  • rolled
  • variegated
  • reduced
  • succulent
  • oils
  • aerenchyma cells
  • bulbs

These adaptations provide various advantages to plants.

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20
Q

What is the advantage of reduced transpiration in leaf adaptations?

A

Helps conserve water

Reduced transpiration is especially beneficial in arid environments.

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21
Q

True or False: Large leaves are typically found in plants from dry habitats.

A

False

Large leaves are often found in habitats where water is readily available.

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22
Q

What is the general term for hair-like structures on leaves?

A

Trichomes

Trichomes can vary in type, including lanate, pilose, hirsute, and tomentose.

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23
Q

What are some advantages of leaf hairs?

A
  • Insulate from heat
  • Increase humidity of air around leaves
  • Catch water from the air
  • Reflect away sunlight
  • Channel water
  • Insulate against cold

These adaptations help plants survive in various environmental conditions.

24
Q

What is the purpose of a waxy surface on leaves?

A

Reduces water loss through evaporation

Waxy surfaces are common in plants from arid environments.

25
Q

What is variegation in leaves?

A

Leaves that are missing some chlorophyll, causing pale whitish or yellow parts

Variegated plants are often ornamental.

26
Q

Fill in the blank: Plants adapted to live in dry habitats are called _______.

A

xerophytes

Xerophytes exhibit various adaptations, including succulence.

27
Q

What is aerenchyma?

A

Spongy, air-filled tissue in some aquatic plants

Aerenchyma helps with buoyancy and gas exchange.

28
Q

What is the function of leaf oils in plants?

A

Deterrent against herbivores and pathogens

Oils can also be extracted for essential oils and have strong scents.

29
Q

True or False: Bulbs are formed from modified stems.

A

False

Bulbs are formed from modified leaves.

30
Q

What role do spines on leaves serve?

A

Defense against browsing animals

Spines deter herbivores from consuming the foliage.

31
Q

What is the function of leaf size in relation to the environment?

A

Small leaves reduce evaporation in dry habitats; large leaves increase photosynthesis in water-rich environments

Leaf size is a key adaptation to environmental conditions.

32
Q

What is the effect of leaf color on plant selection in gardening?

A

Influences design combinations and seasonal interest

Color and form can create focal points in garden design.

33
Q

Fill in the blank: Some plants develop red and purple coloration in their leaves when exposed to _______.

A

strong sunlight

This pigmentation helps absorb harmful ultraviolet light.

34
Q

What is the significance of Senescing foliage?

A

Leaves change color dramatically at different times of the year

This feature can enhance garden aesthetics.

35
Q

What is the advantage of having stomata sunken into the leaf surface?

A

Creates a humid microclimate around the stomata, reducing evaporation

This adaptation helps plants survive in dry conditions.

36
Q

What is allelopathy?

A

Chemicals produced by plants that affect the growth and survival of other plants

Juglans nigra (Black Walnut) is a well-known example of allelopathy.

37
Q

What is the purpose of leaf adaptations such as spines?

A

To protect against browsing animals

Examples include Berberis darwinii and Ilex aquifolium

38
Q

What are some examples of plants with spiny adaptations?

A
  • Cirsium spp. (thistles)
  • Berberis darwinii
  • Ilex aquifolium
39
Q

What is a tendril?

A

A modified leaf or stem used for climbing

Examples include Lathyrus odoratus and Vicia cracca

40
Q

What is the function of tendrils in climbing plants?

A

To coil and wrap around neighboring vegetation for support

41
Q

What is a unique reproductive adaptation of Kalanchoe daigremontiana?

A

Produces tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves

42
Q

What are sporangia?

A

Structures that bear spores on the underside of fern fronds

43
Q

What is the main reason carnivorous plants have adapted their leaves?

A

To obtain nitrogen in nutrient-poor environments

44
Q

What are two types of traps found in carnivorous plants?

A
  • Passive traps
  • Active traps
45
Q

Give an example of a plant with passive traps.

A

Nepenthes (monkey cup pitcher plants)

These traps act like pitfalls.

46
Q

What is an example of an active trap in carnivorous plants?

A

Dionaea muscipula (Venus’s Flytrap)

47
Q

How do leaves contribute to biodiversity?

A

They serve as food sources for various creatures and support other organisms

48
Q

What role does leaf litter play in an ecosystem?

A

Provides habitat for invertebrates and food for birds and small mammals

49
Q

What are the three temperature-related functions of leaf hairs?

A
  • Insulate from heat
  • Reflect away sunlight
  • Insulate against cold
50
Q

True or False: Plants with hairy leaves are beneficial in sensory gardens.

A

True

51
Q

What is reversion in variegated plants?

A

The tendency to produce shoots with standard green foliage

52
Q

What are the advantages of strong-smelling and strong-tasting oils in plants?

A
  • Repel pests
  • Deter herbivores
  • Reduce water evaporation
53
Q

What is aerenchyma and its advantage?

A

Tissue that allows gas exchange, facilitating oxygen transport to roots

54
Q

How can spiny plants be used in the garden?

A

As barriers against humans and other animals

55
Q

What is one use of climbing adaptations in the garden?

A

To grow plants up structures for aesthetic effects or screening

RHS Level 2 Unit 2 (22 decks)

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