Questions and Answers
What does plant morphology focus on?
Which family do grasses belong to?
Which type of root system is first formed during grass seed germination?
What best characterizes the root system of mature grasses?
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Which of the following is NOT a member of the grass family?
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What is a feature of the leaves of monocotyledonous plants like grasses?
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How are cultural management practices related to morphological features of crops?
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What characteristic of grasses makes them important as food sources?
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What is the correct term for the young primary root of grasses?
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Which part connects the primary root system to the secondary root system in grasses?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of the leaf sheath in grasses?
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What type of inflorescence consists of spikelets that are sessile on a rachis?
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Which structure serves as the junction between the leaf blade and the leaf sheath?
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What is a function of the brace roots in grasses?
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Which part of the grass leaf is usually more prominent than other veins?
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What is the name for the specialized roots that arise from the nodes above ground?
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Which term describes the parts of a grass inflorescence that are loosely branched and bear spikelets on pedicels?
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What is the importance of the collar in grass leaves?
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Study Notes
Plant Morphology/Phytomorphology
- Focuses on the physical forms and external structures of plants, distinct from anatomy.
- Aids in visual identification and classification of plant species.
- Similar morphological forms indicate closer taxonomic relationships.
- Morphological features reflect plant responses to environmental stimuli and management practices.
Morphology of Grasses
- Grasses belong to the Gramineae (Poaceae) family, with over 5000 species crucial for human and animal consumption.
- Characterized by monocotyledonous traits: one seed-leaf, parallel leaf venation, and scattered vascular bundles.
- Exhibit annual or perennial life cycles, primarily herbaceous with jointed stems and sheathed leaves.
- Key examples include rice, corn, sorghum, and wheat.
Grass Plant Structure
- Comprised of two primary systems: shoot system and root system.
Root System of Grasses
- Fibrous Root System: Extensively branched roots of uniform size.
- Primary Roots: Develop during germination to absorb nutrients but typically die as the plant matures.
- Secondary Roots: Grow above the primary roots, functioning as the main absorption system as the plant matures.
- Related terms:
- Radicle: The young primary root.
- Seminal Roots: Branches from the radicle.
- Mesocotyl: Connects primary and secondary roots.
- Brace/Prop/Aerial Roots: Arise from nodes above the ground for support.
- Crown: Transition point from root system to shoot system.
- Crown Roots: Emerge from the coleoptilar node.
Shoot System of Grasses
- Comprises all above-ground plant parts: stems, leaves, and inflorescences (flowers and fruit clusters).
Stems
- Consist of nodes (solid joints) and internodes (hollow cylindrical sections).
- Nodes give rise to true leaves and can be identified by their solid structure.
Leaves
- Two types: modified (coleoptile) and true leaves.
- Coleoptile: Protective covering for true leaves before emergence.
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True Leaves: Feature a leaf sheath and leaf blade; may include appendages.
- Leaf Sheath: Protects growing points and provides support.
- Leaf Blade: Flattened section, notable for a prominent midrib vein.
- Ligule: Membranous structure at the sheath-blade junction, prevents moisture entry.
- Collar: Distinct texture zone at the junction of blade and sheath.
- Auricles: Lobes extending from the leaf blade, may partially encircle the culm.
- Axillary Buds: Located in leaf axils; can develop into new culms.
Inflorescence Types in Grasses
- Spike Type: Spikelets are directly attached to the main stem (rachis), as in wheat.
- Panicle Type: Loosely branched; individual spikelets attached via pedicels, seen in rice, corn, and sorghum.
- Raceme Type: A modified spike-like panicle with shorter peduncle rays, as in foxtail millet.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of plant morphology in Chapter 2, where we delve into the physical forms and external structures of field crops. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of how plant forms relate to their environmental responses and classification. Tackle key concepts to enhance your visual identification skills.
