Module 8 - Botany

Question 1

What is lichen?

Answer 1

Lichen is an organisms composed of fungi and green algae. They are so closely symbiotic (Mutualism) that they form a single functional unit. The fungus procedures the supporting structure and holds water. The algae is able to provide food (energy) for the fungus via photosynthesise.

Question 2

Explain ecological status.

Answer 2

Grasses will generally react to grazing by either decreasing or increasing in abundance:
Increaser 1 - increase when under-utilised;
Increaser 2 - increase when over-utilised or in disturbed areas;
Decreaser - dominate in good veld conditions.

Question 3

What is grassland succession?

Answer 3

Grassland communities are dynamic and continually subject to change. E. g. When conditions for a particular plant community become unfavourable (due to overgrazing). Then a succession of plant communities takes over progressively until a climax community has been established, this is called grazing succession. These communities can be used as indicators of the veld conditions, from Pioneer, through Sub-Climax to Climax communities.

Question 4

What are the principle organs of plants

Answer 4

1. Roots (absorb water, store nutrients and anchor plant)
2. Stem (support plant, transport nutrients)
3. Leaves (photosynthesis, gas exchange, water transport)

Question 5

Difference between thorns and spines

Answer 5

Thorn: Modified branch
Spine: Modified leaf

Question 6

Types of bark

Answer 6

Inner (cambium): transport minerals and water

Outer: protection

Question 7

What are a plants flowers?

Answer 7

Reprodcutive organs:
Monoecious (male and female on same plant)
Dioecious

Question 8

Tree identification

Answer 8

1. Distribution
2. Size, form, color
3. Bark
4. Branches and twigs
5. Spines/Thorns
6. Latex
7. Leaf
8. Flowers
9. Fruit

Question 9

Leaf identification

Answer 9

1. Structure
2. Arrangement
3. Texture
4. Margins
5. Venetion

Question 10

What is an epiphyte?

Answer 10

• live on plants as hosts

nutrients come from air and run-off water

Question 11

How do grasses disperse seeds?

Answer 11

1. Wind
2. Floating (corky inflorescence)
3. Animals
4. Oils that atract insects

Question 12

Vegetative parts of grasses

Answer 12

1. Roots
2. Rhizomes
3. Stolon
4. Culm
5. Node
6. Blade (leaf)
7. Sheath

Question 13

Reproductive parts of grasses

Answer 13

1. Inflorescence
2. Spikes
3. Racemes
4. Panicle
5. Spikelet