Practical Revision Flashcards
What are the major groups of plants that will be observed during the practicals?
Angiosperms, Pteridophytes, Bryophytes, Fungi
Fungi are not classified as plants.
What is the role of field botanists in understanding landscapes?
They use plants to read the landscape, determine its use, and identify conservation steps.
How many common plant families will be introduced during the practicals?
At least ten commonest plant families.
What ecological process will be studied at Belhaven Bay?
Coastal fore-dune zonation and dune succession.
What is the significance of mosses in dune ecosystems?
They help in fixing the top soil.
What type of plants are some halophytes in salt marshes classified as?
C4 plants.
How long have mosses and liverworts been around?
450 million years.
What tools are often required for identifying species of bryophytes?
Field lens and sometimes a microscope.
What are the two main divisions of fungi that will be observed?
Basidiomycota and Ascomycota.
What are the spore-releasing methods of Basidiomycetes and Ascomycetes?
Basidiomycetes are spore droppers; Ascomycetes are spore shooters.
What role do many fungi species play in the environment?
They are mycorrhizal and support ecosystem health.
True or False: Students can attend the outdoor practicals multiple times at each location.
False.
Fill in the blank: It is critical that you arrive on time for the practical as the bus will leave without you if you are _______.
late
What is required in terms of clothing for the field trip?
Decent outdoor walking footwear and weather appropriate clothing.
What are the two main groups of cryptograms?
Bryophytes and Fungi.
True or False: Bryophytes are vascular plants.
False.
Fill in the blank: The major divisions of bryophytes include ______, ______, and ______.
mosses, liverworts, hornworts.
Which group of cryptograms is primarily non-vascular?
Bryophytes.
List one characteristic that distinguishes fungi from bryophytes.
Fungi have cell walls made of chitin, while bryophytes have cell walls made of cellulose.
What is the definition of saprotrophs?
Saprotrophs are organisms that obtain nutrients by decomposing dead organic matter.
True or False: Mycorrhizas are symbiotic relationships between fungi and plant roots.
True
Fill in the blank: Saprotrophs play a crucial role in __________ by breaking down dead matter.
nutrient cycling
What is the primary function of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems?
To enhance nutrient and water absorption for plants.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a benefit of mycorrhizal associations? A) Improved nutrient uptake B) Increased plant disease resistance C) Decreased soil fertility
C) Decreased soil fertility
What role do saprotrophs play in the ecosystem?
They decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
True or False: Mycorrhizal fungi can only associate with one type of plant.
False
Fill in the blank: Saprotrophs are essential for __________ in ecosystems.
decomposition
What are the two main types of mycorrhizal associations?
Ectomycorrhizae and arbuscular mycorrhizae.
Multiple choice: Which type of mycorrhizae forms a sheath around the root? A) Ectomycorrhizae B) Arbuscular mycorrhizae
A) Ectomycorrhizae
What is the significance of saprotrophs in soil health?
They help maintain soil structure and fertility through organic matter decomposition.
True or False: Mycorrhizal fungi can improve plant tolerance to drought.
True
Fill in the blank: The relationship between saprotrophs and organic material is primarily __________.
decompositional
What is the primary source of energy for saprotrophs?
Dead organic matter.
Multiple choice: Which of the following organisms are considered saprotrophs? A) Fungi B) Bacteria C) Both A and B
C) Both A and B
What are vascular plants?
Plants that have specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients, including xylem and phloem.
True or False: Bryophytes are vascular plants.
False
Fill in the blank: Vascular plants include ______ and ______.
ferns; flowering plants
What is the primary characteristic that differentiates bryophytes from vascular plants?
Bryophytes lack vascular tissues.