24 Questions
What is the primary method by which the description of diverse forms of life on earth was made?
Observation through naked eyes or magnifying lenses and microscopes
Why was the description of morphology important in biology?
It helped in framing research questions in physiology or evolutionary biology
How are the descriptions of morphological and anatomical features presented in this unit?
Separately for plants and animals
What is the focus of the following chapters in this unit?
Structural organisation of plants and animals
What was biology referred to as before experimental biology was established?
Natural history
What is the significance of the description of morphology in later day reductionist biology?
It was used in framing research questions in physiology or evolutionary biology
What was the initial reaction of a student to the description of morphology?
Boredom
What was the description of morphology mainly about?
Gross structural features, both external and internal
What is the primary function of the green color of leaves?
Photosynthesis
What is the term for the arrangement of leaves on a stem?
Phyllotaxy
What is a characteristic feature of a stem that distinguishes it from a root?
Multicellular hair
What is the purpose of a flower in a plant?
Sexual reproduction
What is the term for the arrangement of petals and sepals in a flower?
Aestivation
What is the term for the position of the ovary in relation to other parts of a flower?
Placentation
What is the term for a flower with radial symmetry?
Actinomorphic
What is the purpose of a floral diagram in plant classification?
To represent the floral features in a summarized form
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes angiosperms from other plants?
Presence of roots, stems, and leaves
What is the main purpose of understanding standard technical terms and definitions in plant classification?
To successfully classify plants based on their characteristics
What is the term for the underground part of a flowering plant?
Root system
What is the primary root formed from in dicotyledonous plants?
Direct elongation of the radicle
What is the term for the above-ground part of a flowering plant?
Shoot system
What is the purpose of understanding the possible variations in different parts of plants?
To understand the adaptations of plants to their environment
What is the term for the lateral roots that branch out from the primary root?
Secondary roots
Why is it necessary to know about the standard technical terms and definitions in plant classification?
To classify plants based on their characteristics
Study Notes
Roots and Shoot System
- Roots in some plants are modified for storage of food, mechanical support, and respiration.
- The shoot system is differentiated into stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Stem
- Morphological features of stems include:
- Presence of nodes and internodes
- Multicellular hair
- Positively phototropic nature
- These features help differentiate stems from roots.
Leaf
- A leaf is a lateral outgrowth of stem developed exogeneously at the node.
- Leaves are green in color to perform photosynthesis.
- Leaves exhibit marked variations in:
- Shape
- Size
- Margin
- Apex
- Extent of incisions of leaf blade (lamina)
Flower
- A flower is a modified shoot meant for sexual reproduction.
- Flowers are arranged in different types of inflorescences.
- Flowers exhibit enormous variation in:
- Structure
- Symmetry
- Position of ovary in relation to other parts
- Arrangement of petals, sepals, ovules, etc.
Fruit and Seed
- After fertilization, the ovary is modified into fruits and ovules into seeds.
- Seeds may be monocotyledonous or dicotyledonous.
- Seeds vary in:
- Shape
- Size
- Period of viability
Floral Characteristics and Classification
- Floral characteristics form the basis of classification and identification of flowering plants.
- Floral diagrams and floral formula represent floral features in a summarized form.
Morphology and Adaptations
- Angiosperms show diversity in external structure or morphology, but are characterized by the presence of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
- Adaptations of plants to their environment include:
- Adaptations to various habitats
- Protection
- Climbing
- Storage, etc.
Explore the characteristics and features of plant stems, leaves, and roots, including their modifications and functions.
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