BU Trees Fall Midterm

Parts and function of a dissecting microscope?

Low magnification; views surface details; used for larger specimens.

Parts and functions of a compound microscope?

Higher magnification; views cells/tissues; used for thin specimens.

Why is FOV important?

Lets you estimate object size and compare magnifications.

How do you calculate high-power FOV from low-power?

(Low power FOV × Low objective) ÷ High objective

How to calculate cell size from FOV?

FOV ÷ # of cells across diameter

Formula for total magnification?

Eyepiece power × Objective power

What does ImageJ measure, and why calibrate?

Leaf area, stomatal size/density; calibration ensures pixel = real size

How to calculate the Diameter at Breast height

Circumference ÷ π.

Why measure canopy area?

Indicates the tree's carbon storage, light capture, and habitat role

What is GIS and why valuable?

A mapping system that stores tree data; useful for ecological research

How to map a campus tree in Google Earth Pro?

Locate tree → mark point → record metadata

How to measure canopy area in Google Earth Pro?

Use the polygon tool to trace the canopy outline

One advantage & disadvantage of digitized tools?

Advantage: fast, consistent; Disadvantage: resolution/calibration errors

Parts of a scientific paper?

Abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion, references

What is the difference between primary and review articles?

Primary = original research Review = summary of studies

How to interpret figures/tables?

Identify variables, trends, and compare results to hypotheses

Main entries for a lab notebook?

Date, title, purpose, methods, observations, results, cleanup

What is metacognition?

Thinking about and regulating your own learning

Growth vs fixed mindset?

Growth: abilities can develop Fixed: abilities are static

Role of monitoring, planning, and evaluating in learning?

They guide self-assessment and improve study effectiveness

Difference between accuracy and precision?

Accuracy = closeness to true value

Precision = consistency

Metric units for length, area, volume?

Length = meter

Area = m²

Volume = liter/m³

How to calculate mean and standard deviation?

Mean = average

SD = spread of data from mean

Difference between percent error & percent difference?

Percent error = compare measured to true value

Percent difference = compare two measured values.

Which formula for field vs digital canopy area?

Percent Difference

How does science address food insecurity?

Improves crop yield, resilience, and sustainability

How does science address rising CO₂?

Studies carbon capture, tree canopies, climate solutions

What is the total magnification under the low power (4X objective)?

40X

How do living systems store and transmit information?

DNA → RNA → proteins

How does evolution explain diversity & unity?

Shared ancestry + genetic variation = both unity and diversity

Why are cells fundamental?

They are the basic structural/functional unit of life

How do interdependent relationships create emergent properties?

Interactions produce new functions not seen in individuals

Example of homeostasis in plants?

Guard cells regulate water balance and gas exchange

How do we define a tree?

Perennial woody plant with trunk, branches, and leaves

How can leaf structure classify plants?

By shape and arrangement

Three types of meristematic tissue?

Apical, lateral, intercalary (growth/elongation)

Main cells of vascular, ground, and dermal tissue?

Vascular = xylem/phloem

Ground = mesophyll

Dermal = epidermis

Functions of xylem?

water

Functions of phloem?

sugars

Functions of mesophyll?

Photosynthesis

Functions of stomata?

gas & water regulation

Functions of guard cells?

gas & water regulation

Parts of a leaf & functions?

Blade (photosynthesis), vein (transport), petiole (attachment), cuticle (waterproofing)

What is transpiration?

Water movement from roots → leaves → air via stomata

Other functions of stomata & guard cells?

Control CO₂ intake, regulate temperature

What are transcription factors?

Proteins that control gene expression

Role of homeobox genes in leaves?

Regulate developmental patterns and guard cell formation

Why is Arabidopsis thaliana a good model?

Short life cycle, small genome, easy to grow

What mechanisms create tree diversity?

Genetic variation + environmental influence

What does a phylogenetic tree show?

Evolutionary history and relatedness of species

Major plant groups in evolution?

Algae → mosses → ferns → gymnosperms → angiosperms

Skills needed for research teamwork?

Communication, reliability, problem-solving, respect.

How to evaluate your participation?

Based on engagement, contribution, collaboration, and accountability