Plant Biology and Forest Ecology

These flashcards cover essential concepts in plant biology and forest ecology, focusing on structure, function, adaptation, and ecological interactions.

What types of vascular tissues are present in plants and what do they do?

Vascular tissues include xylem which transports water from roots and phloem which carries sugars.

What is the significance of stomata in plants?

Stomata are pores in leaves that facilitate gas exchange for photosynthesis and are regulated by guard cells to minimize water loss.

What are the main characteristics of angiosperms?

Angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit and are the largest and most diverse group of plants.

How do gymnosperms differ from angiosperms?

Gymnosperms have naked seeds and do not produce flowers or fruits, while angiosperms have seeds enclosed in fruit.

What is primary growth in plants and which meristem facilitates it?

Primary growth occurs at the tips of shoots and roots and is facilitated by the apical meristem.

Describe how coniferous trees adapt to their environment.

Conifers, like pines, have thin leaves to reduce water loss.

What is the role of auxin in plants?

Auxin is a plant hormone that promotes growth and is involved in various stages of plant life cycles.

What chemical reaction represents photosynthesis in plants?

6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2.

What do tree rings indicate about environmental conditions?

Tree rings reflect the growth rate of the tree, which can indicate climate conditions and natural events.

How do forests benefit water quality?

Forests filter sediment and pollutants, shade water bodies to moderate temperature, and stabilize soil along banks.

What is an ecological niche?

An ecological niche is the role and position of an organism within its ecosystem, including habitat and resource use.

Explain the edge effect in ecology.

The edge effect refers to changes in populations and species diversity that occur at the boundary of two habitats.

What defines primary succession?

Primary succession occurs in environments where soil has not yet formed, beginning with organisms like lichens and mosses.

What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?

Hardwood comes from broadleaved trees and is denser, while softwood comes from coniferous trees and grows faster.

What role does biodiversity play in ecosystems?

Biodiversity enhances ecosystem functioning, resilience, and food security.

How do plants participate in the water cycle?

Plants absorb water from soil and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration.

What are mycorrhizal fungi and their role in ecosystems?

Mycorrhizal fungi form associations with plant roots, enhancing nutrient and water absorption and providing protection.

What is the significance of leaf structure in different environmental conditions?

Leaf structure can provide adaptations such as thin leaves in conifers to reduce water loss, or wide leaves in aquatic plants for buoyancy.

What is an example of a carnivorous plant adaptation?

Carnivorous plants consume insects for nitrogen to supplement nutrient deficiencies in their environments.

What influence does competition have on plant communities?

Competition determines which plant species can thrive in an area and leads to adaptations to the local environment.

What is the function of enzymes in plant metabolism?

Enzymes like cellulases, proteases, and amylases help metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids for energy and growth.