describe different adaptions of plants to arid conditions. list some examples
- thorns, prickles, spines
- succulents (all cacti are succulents - not all succulents are cacti)
how is succulence an adaptation
conserve water in their leaves
list some examples in which different plant parts are succulents
stems -> cacti
leaves -> aloe, agave
advantages of plants with spines, thorns, or prickles
protection from herbivores
prevents water loss
helps break up wind
reduces transpiration
are there any other adaptations that serve a similar function to spines, thorns, and prickles
toxic latex
thick waxy cuticle
hairy leaves to reduce airflow
chemical defenses
what is meant by convergent evolution? how does it apply to the families Cactaceae and Euphorbiaccae?
aloe vera and agave
- they both involve succulent stems , spines, photosynthetic stems, and drought tolerance
describe plant adaptations in tropical environments. list some examples
- epiphytic growth (growing on other plants)
- large broad leaves to capture low light under the canopy
- drip tips to get rid of excess water
- aerial roots for support and nutrient absorption
- thin cuticles
contrast leaves of plants in the tropical room with those in the desert room
- tropical room has plants with large leaves
- tropical room has plants not rooted in soil -> they eat insects instead
- desert room has many plants with spikes, thorns, and prickles that are used for protection
- desert has plants with thick cuticles
observe at least two examples of carnivorous plants. what specific plant organs form the insect traps
they are usually modified leaves
- venus fly trap
- pitcher plants
how to handle a herbarium specimen properly
Make sure to keep all the specimens in order, and when you pick it up make sure not to bend the specimen at all so nothing breaks or falls off
What do you need to be part of a good herbarium sample
Must have a stem with leaves, and ideally with a fruit or a flower
What were some of the characteristics in the tropical room
- Very large leaves
- Plants not rooted in soil (they get nutrients from eating insects)
