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

Stem Adaptations - Topic 1 (Plant Science II), Element 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What are two examples of secondary thickening in stems?

A

Wood and cork

Secondary thickening involves the production of wood and cork, which increases the girth of the stem.

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2
Q

List three physical defensive adaptations of stems.

A
  • Thorns
  • Prickles
  • Hairs

These adaptations help protect plants from herbivory and environmental stress.

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3
Q

What is the function of tendrils in plants?

A

Support and climbing

Tendrils allow plants to attach and climb on structures for better light access.

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4
Q

What is the role of stolons in plant propagation?

A

Asexual reproduction through horizontal stems

Stolons allow plants to spread and produce new individuals from the parent plant.

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5
Q

What type of stem adaptation is a tuber?

A

Energy storage and a means of reproduction

Tubers store carbohydrates and can give rise to new plants.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank: The adaptations of stems can enhance _______ for plants.

A

Light access

Enhanced light access is one of the advantages of stem adaptations.

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7
Q

What horticultural use do climbing plants serve?

A

Support for vertical growth

Climbing plants utilize stems to reach light and can be decorative in gardens.

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8
Q

True or False: Both Eudicots and Monocots produce true wood.

A

False

Only Eudicots produce true wood; Monocots do not form a cambium ring.

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9
Q

What is the primary function of stems in plants?

A
  • Support
  • Transport
  • Storage

Stems provide mechanical strength, connect plant parts, and facilitate the movement of water and nutrients.

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10
Q

What is apical dominance?

A

The phenomenon where the apical bud suppresses axillary bud growth

Apical dominance allows plants to grow taller and more efficiently by prioritizing the main stem.

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11
Q

Name two types of reaction wood in trees.

A
  • Compression wood (Gymnosperms)
  • Tension wood (Angiosperms)

Reaction wood helps trees maintain their structure against wind and gravity.

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12
Q

What is the function of the bark in woody plants?

A
  • Protects vascular system
  • Insulation
  • Prevents water loss

Bark serves multiple protective and insulating roles for woody plants.

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13
Q

Fill in the blank: Epicormic buds are hidden beneath the _______.

A

Bark

Epicormic buds can sprout new growth after damage to the tree.

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14
Q

What is the role of lenticels on stems?

A

Allow gas exchange

Lenticels are pores that enable oxygen and carbon dioxide to enter and exit the stem.

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15
Q

What is the significance of cork in plant physiology?

A

Seals off damaged areas and protects against pathogens

Cork forms a protective layer over exposed tissues after injury.

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16
Q

True or False: Rhizomes are a form of stem adaptation that allows for water storage.

A

False

Rhizomes primarily serve as a means of asexual reproduction and energy storage, not specifically for water storage.

17
Q

What are the two main types of plant growth?

A
  • Primary growth
  • Secondary thickening

Primary growth increases length, while secondary thickening increases girth.

18
Q

What are the benefits of leaving dead stems and seedheads in the garden?

A
  • Provides habitats for invertebrates
  • Supports biodiversity

Dead plant material is crucial for various organisms, especially during winter.

19
Q

What is the purpose of pruning in horticulture?

A

Promotes bushier growth by encouraging axillary bud development

Pruning removes the apical bud, leading to increased side branching.

20
Q

List three types of stem cuttings used in propagation.

A
  • Softwood
  • Semi-ripe
  • Hardwood

These types of cuttings utilize the totipotency of stem tissues to develop new roots.

21
Q

What are stem adaptations in plants?

A

Secondary thickening, physical defence (thorns), tendrils, twining stems, stolons, tubers, runners, glandular hairs, corms, rhizomes

Stem adaptations enhance plant survival and reproduction.

22
Q

List the advantages of stem adaptations for plants.

A
  • Defence from herbivory
  • Support
  • Enhanced light
  • Water storage
  • Carbohydrate storage
  • Resilience to weather conditions

These adaptations help plants thrive in various environments.

23
Q

What is the epidermis in plants?

A

The outer layer of cells of most plant parts

The epidermis is crucial for protection and water retention.

24
Q

What adaptation helps plants shield from UV rays and conserve water?

A

Trichomes (hairs)

These hairs can also deter herbivores.

25
Q

What are prickles?

A

Spiky outgrowths of the epidermis

Examples include those found on Rosa species.

26
Q

True or False: The waxy cuticle in some plants helps conserve water.

A

True

It provides extra protection against environmental stresses.

27
Q

What is a thorn?

A

A modified stem structure that protects plants from herbivores

Thorns can also provide homes for ants in some species.

28
Q

What are essential oils in plants used for?

A

Defence from herbivores and attracting pollinators

They can deter herbivores with strong smells.

29
Q

What are tendrils in climbing plants?

A

Modified leaves or stems that twine around supports

They help plants reach light and height.

30
Q

What is perennation?

A

Being able to survive between one growing season and the next

Essential for plants to endure unfavorable conditions.

31
Q

What are rhizomes?

A

Thickened, underground stems

They serve as a means of vegetative propagation.

32
Q

Fill in the blank: __________ are stems that grow horizontally along the ground.

A

Stolons

Stolons can root at nodes to propagate new plants.

33
Q

What is the difference between stem tubers and root tubers?

A

Stem tubers have buds, while root tubers do not

Buds on stem tubers can grow into new shoots.

34
Q

What type of plant structure is a corm?

A

A compressed stem

Corms can produce cormels for propagation.

35
Q

What is the function of glandular hairs in some plants?

A

They can produce oils and facilitate carnivory

Sticky hairs trap insects for digestion.

36
Q

True or False: All plants of a twining species twine in the same direction.

A

True

This characteristic aids in identification.

37
Q

What are some horticultural uses of stem adaptations?

A
  • Climbing plants
  • Decorative adaptations
  • Colonisation of areas
  • Creation of habitats for wildlife
  • Impact on planting styles

These uses enhance garden aesthetics and biodiversity.

RHS Level 2 Unit 2 (22 decks)

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