Strand 8 Plant Science for Companion Animal Care, Nutrition, and Safe Management

Monocots

Flowering plants with one seed leaf, parallel leaf veins, and fibrous roots.

Eudicots (dicots)

Flowering plants with two cotyledons, net-like leaf veins, and a taproot.

Annuals

Plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season.

Biennials

Plants that grow vegetatively the first year and flower/seed the second year.

Perennials

Plants that live for multiple years and may spread by seed or vegetatively.

Taproot system

A root system with one main root and smaller side roots.

Fibrous root system

A root system with many thin roots near the surface.

Plant Life Cycle

The cycle of growth and reproduction that indicates how long a plant lives.

Xylem

Tissue in plants that moves water and minerals from roots to leaves.

Phloem

Tissue that moves sugars from sources (leaves) to sinks (roots, fruits).

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants capture light energy to store it as sugars.

Cellular respiration

The process by which plants break down sugars to release energy.

Transpiration

Loss of water vapor from leaves, driving water movement in the plant.

Meristems

Regions of actively dividing cells where plant growth occurs.

Plant hormones

Chemical signals that regulate growth and responses in plants.

Tropisms

Growth responses of plants to directional stimuli.

Sexual reproduction in plants

Reproduction that produces seeds with genetic variation.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction producing genetically identical plants from parts of the original.

Soil texture

The proportion of sand, silt, and clay in soil.

Soil structure

The arrangement of soil particles into aggregates.

Soil pH

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, affecting nutrient availability.

Nutrients

Elements required by plants for growth, categorized as macronutrients and micronutrients.

Fertilizer N–P–K ratio

Three-number representation of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in fertilizers.

IPM (Integrated Pest Management)

A decision-making approach to manage pests below harmful levels while minimizing risk.

Disease triangle

Concept that explains that diseases require a susceptible host, a virulent pathogen, and a favorable environment.

True lilies

Plants (Lilium spp. and related) that are highly toxic to cats.

Sago palm

A plant (Cycas revoluta) that is highly toxic if ingested by pets.

Organic matter

Decayed plant and animal material that improves soil health and structure.

Compaction

The result of soil being compressed, reducing pore space and root growth.

Plant anatomy

The study of the structure of plant organs and their functions.

Ground tissue

Plant tissue responsible for photosynthesis, storage, and support.

Root absorption

The process by which roots take in water and dissolved minerals from the soil.

Nitrogen deficiency

A condition where plants show symptoms like yellowing of older leaves due to lack of nitrogen.

Transpiration pull

The mechanism by which water moves upward through the plant due to evaporation from leaves.

Germination

The process by which a seed develops into a new plant.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen to the stigma of a flower for reproduction.

Fertilization

The union of sperm from pollen with an egg in the ovule.

Vascular tissue

Plant tissue composed of xylem and phloem for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars.

Cultural control

Pest management strategies focused on changing farming practices to reduce pest establishment.

Mechanical control

Physical methods used to manage pests, such as hand-pulling weeds.

Biological control

The use of natural enemies, such as predators or parasites, to control pest populations.

Chemical control

The application of pesticides to manage pest populations.

Composting

The process of decomposing organic material for use as soil amendment.

Overfertilization

Applying too much fertilizer, which can harm plants and lead to runoff pollution.

Nutrient mobility

The ability of nutrients in plants to move from older to newer leaves.

Ground cover

Plants that grow close to the ground and help prevent erosion.

Salinity stress

A condition in plants caused by high salt concentrations, often from urine.

Container media

Soilless mixes used for planting in pots, designed for drainage and aeration.