module 7 plant competition

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants generate their own chemical energy (glucose) using inorganic carbon molecules stripped from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, powered by sunlight.

Intraspecific competition

Competition between individuals of the same species for a resource in short supply, potentially affecting each other's biological fitness.

Interspecific competition

Competition between populations of different species for a resource in short supply, leading to negative consequences for both species.

Allelopathy

A form of interference competition where plants produce biochemicals (allelochemicals) to negatively influence the growth of neighboring plants, gaining a competitive advantage.

Exploitative competition

Competition between plants for essential resources like nutrients, sunlight, or water by depriving others of these resources.

Plant diversity

The variety of plant species present in a community, influencing the complexity of interactions between allelopathy and exploitative competition.

Mycorrhizae

Mutualistic associations between fungi and plant roots where the fungus aids in nutrient absorption from the soil in exchange for organic compounds from the plant.

Vegetative Growth Rate

The rate at which a seedling grows in terms of height per day during its vegetative growth period.

T-Test

A statistical test used to compare the means of two groups and determine if there is a significant difference between them.

Percent Survival

The percentage of seedlings that survived to the end of the experiment out of the total number of seeds planted in a growth pellet.

Chi Square Test

A statistical test used to determine if there is a significant association between observed and expected frequencies in categorical data.

Plastids

Membrane-bound organelles in cells of plants

Guard cells

Specialized plant cells in the epidermis of leaves and stems that control gas exchange

Chloroplasts

Primary site of photosynthesis in the leaves of Angiosperms

Stomata

Control rate of gas exchange

Phloem

Moves sugar produced in the mesophyll to the rest of the plant

Xylem

Transports minerals and water from the roots to the leaves for photosynthesis

Apparent competition

When organisms do not share a resource, but instead share a predator

Exploitation competition

When organisms both use a common limited resource, in which resource use depletes the available amount for use by other organisms

Interference competition

When organisms directly interact by fighting over scarce resources.