Leaf Classification Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the major part of the leaf called?

Blade (correct)

Petiole

Midrib

Apex

What is the term for the small stalk that attaches the leaf to the stem?

Petiole

What defines a simple leaf?

One leaf attached to the stem by a single petiole

What is a compound leaf?

A leaf composed of several leaflets attached to a single petiole Signup and view all the answers

Describe alternate branching.

An arrangement of leaves that alternate to each other Signup and view all the answers

What is opposite branching?

An arrangement of leaves that are directly opposite to each other on the stem Signup and view all the answers

Define whorled branching.

An arrangement of leaves that are in a star shape or flower shape around the stem Signup and view all the answers

What does linear describe in terms of leaf shape?

A leaf that's about the same width from the top to the bottom Signup and view all the answers

What is an elliptical leaf?

A leaf that tapers at both ends but is longer than it is wide Signup and view all the answers

Describe an oval leaf.

A leaf that is egg shaped Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a deltoid leaf?

A leaf that is triangular in shape Signup and view all the answers

Define a cordate leaf.

A leaf that has the appearance of an upside down heart Signup and view all the answers

What is an orbicular leaf?

A leaf that is nearly circular Signup and view all the answers

What does lobed refer to in leaf shape?

Leaves that have deep indentations Signup and view all the answers

Describe a cleft leaf.

A leaf that has indentations that are very deep and usually sharp Signup and view all the answers

What are needlelike leaves?

A special name given to the leaves on pine trees and similar species Signup and view all the answers

What does scalelike leaves refer to?

Leaves that have a scalelike appearance Signup and view all the answers

What does leaf margin describe?

The characteristics of the leaf edge Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by entire margin?

The outer edge of the leaf is smooth with no indentations or teeth Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a serrate margin?

A leaf has tiny sharp teeth that usually point upwards Signup and view all the answers

Describe a dentate margin.

The leaf's outer edge has pronounced teeth that point outward Signup and view all the answers

What defines a crenate margin?

The teeth on the edge of the leaf are rounded rather than pointed Signup and view all the answers

Define an undulate margin.

The leaf's edge doesn't have teeth but has a wavy edge Signup and view all the answers

What does leaf venation refer to?

The pattern the veins create within a leaf Signup and view all the answers

What is the midrib in a leaf?

The large central vein that extends from the petiole to the apex of a leaf Signup and view all the answers

What does parallel venation describe?

The leaf's veins run up and down parallel to the midrib Signup and view all the answers

Describe pinnate venation.

The leaf's veins branch out from the midrib Signup and view all the answers

What is palmate venation?

The leaves' veins branch out from the midrib with additional branches Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Leaf Structure

Blade: Major part of the leaf; apex is the tip.
Petiole: Small stalk connecting the leaf to the stem.

Types of Leaves

Simple Leaf: Single leaf attached to the stem by a petiole.
Compound Leaf: Composed of several leaflets on a single petiole.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate Branching: Leaves arranged alternately on the stem.
Opposite Branching: Leaves arranged directly opposite each other.
Whorled Branching: Leaves arranged in a circular or star-like formation around the stem.

Leaf Shapes

Linear: Uniform width from top to bottom.
Elliptical: Tapers at both ends; longer than wide.
Oval: Egg-shaped leaf.
Deltoid: Triangular leaf shape.
Cordate: Upside-down heart shape.
Orbicular: Nearly circular leaf.
Lobed: Leaves with deep indentations.
Cleft: Deep, sharp indentations in the leaf.

Specialized Leaf Types

Needlelike Leaves: Found on pine trees and similar species.
Scalelike Leaves: Have a scalelike appearance (e.g., spruce, fir).

Leaf Margins

Leaf Margin: Refers to the characteristics of the leaf edge.
Entire Margin: Smooth outer edge without indentations or teeth.
Serrate Margin: Features tiny sharp teeth pointing upwards.
Dentate Margin: Pronounced teeth that point outward.
Crenate Margin: Rounded teeth on the leaf's edge.
Undulate Margin: Wavy edge without teeth (like a cornstalk leaf).

Leaf Venation

Leaf Venation: The pattern formed by veins within the leaf.
The Midrib: The large central vein extending from the petiole to the leaf tip.
Parallel Venation: Veins running parallel to the midrib.
Pinnate Venation: Veins branching out from the midrib.
Palmate Venation: Veins branching from the midrib and having their own branches.

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Description

Test your knowledge of leaf structures with these flashcards. Learn about key terms such as blade, petiole, simple leaf, and compound leaf. Perfect for botany students and plant enthusiasts alike!