Plant Identification Terminology, Cheat Sheet of Plant Taxonomy and Evolution

Download Plant Identification Terminology and more Cheat Sheet Plant Taxonomy and Evolution in PDF only on Docsity! ab Xe, PLANT IDENTIFICATION TERMINOLOGY =—¢ 1 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Term Definition Botanical Name The scientific name of a plant, typically consisting of two parts: the genus and species, used for precise identification. Common Name The everyday name given to a plant, often varying regionally and leading to confusion, so botanical names are preferred for accuracy. Taxonomy The science of classifying and naming organisms, including plants, based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships. Genus A hierarchical category in taxonomy that groups closely related species, indicated in a plant's botanical name. Species The basic unit of classification in taxonomy, comprising individuals that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Family A higher taxonomic rank than genus, grouping plants with similar characteristics and shared ancestry. Order A rank in the hierarchical classification of plants, grouping families with common characteristics. 4 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Plant ID App Mobile applications that use image recognition and databases to assist in identifying plants using photographs. Leaflet A small leaf-like structure within a compound leaf, typically joined to the main leafstalk. Petiole The stalk that attaches a leaf to the stem, allowing it to pivot and capture sunlight. Pinnate A leaf arrangement with leaflets arranged on either side of the central leaf axis. Palmate A leaf arrangement where multiple leaflets radiate from a single point, resembling the fingers of a hand. Tendril A slender, coiling or grasping structure often found in climbing plants used for support. Stipule Small, leaf-like structures found at the base of a leaf stalk, often serving various functions. Cotyledon The first leaves or seed leaves that appear in the early stages of plant growth, which may differ in shape from the mature leaves. 5 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Biennial A plant with a two-year life cycle, typically flowering and producing seeds in the second year. Perennial A plant that lives for several years, often returning year after year to bloom and produce seeds. Annual A plant with a one-year life cycle, growing, flowering, and producing seeds within a single year. Deciduous A plant that sheds its leaves seasonally, usually in response to changes in temperature and daylight. Evergreen A plant that retains its leaves throughout the year, providing year-round foliage. Rhizome An underground stem that grows horizontally and can give rise to new plants. Bulb A storage organ made up of layers of modified leaves, often used for energy storage and reproduction. Succulent Plants with specialized tissues that store water, often characterized by thick, fleshy leaves or stems. 6 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Taproot A primary root that grows vertically and deeply into the soil, providing anchorage and nutrient absorption. Fibrous Root A root system composed of many fine, branching roots, which are efficient at water and nutrient absorption. Monoecious A plant that has separate male and female reproductive structures on the same individual. Dioecious A plant with male and female reproductive structures on separate individuals. Xerophyte Plants adapted to arid or dry environments, often with features to minimize water loss. Hydrophyte Plants adapted to aquatic environments, with features for surviving in waterlogged conditions. Mycorrhiza A mutualistic association between plant roots and fungi, enhancing nutrient uptake. Epiphyte A plant that grows on another plant, such as a tree, without being parasitic. 9 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Self-pollination When a plant's pollen fertilizes its own stigma, leading to genetic similarity. Cross-pollination When pollen from one plant is transferred to the stigma of another, promoting genetic diversity. Nectar A sugary fluid produced by flowers to attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Pollinator An organism that carries pollen from one flower to another during pollination. Mutualism A symbiotic relationship where both plants and pollinators benefit from pollination. Wind Pollination A method of pollination where the wind carries pollen from one flower to another. Insect Pollination Pollination facilitated by insects like bees, butterflies, and beetles. Bird Pollination Pollination carried out by birds, such as hummingbirds, attracted to colorful, nectar-rich flowers. 10 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Bat Pollination Pollination by bats, often associated with night-blooming flowers. Coevolution The reciprocal evolutionary influence between two interacting species, such as plants and pollinators. Seed Dispersal The process by which seeds are spread away from the parent plant to establish new growth. Fruit Dispersal Fruits help in seed dispersal, often through mechanisms like wind, water, animals, or explosive dehiscence. Dehiscence The natural splitting open of a fruit to release seeds when they are mature. Animal Seed Dispersal Dispersal of seeds by animals, which consume fruits and later excrete seeds away from the parent plant. Gravity Seed Dispersal Seeds falling to the ground due to gravity, usually near the parent plant. Hydrochory Seed dispersal by water, often seen in plants growing near water bodies. 11 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Xylem The plant tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant. Phloem The plant tissue responsible for transporting sugars and other organic compounds from the leaves to other parts of the plant. Cambium A layer of actively dividing cells in the stems and roots of woody plants, responsible for secondary growth. Lignin A complex polymer that provides rigidity and strength to plant cell walls, particularly in woody plants. Chlorophyll The green pigment in chloroplasts that captures light energy for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis The process by which green plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy (sugars) using carbon dioxide and water. Respiration The process in which plants and organisms release energy from sugars and other organic compounds, typically using oxygen. Transpiration The loss of water vapor from plant leaves and stems to the atmosphere through small openings called stomata. 14 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Chloroplast Membrane-bound organelles within plant cells where photosynthesis takes place. Epidermis The outermost layer of cells in plant organs, providing protection and controlling transpiration. Palisade Mesophyll A layer of elongated cells in a leaf responsible for most of the photosynthesis. Spongy Mesophyll A tissue in the leaf that facilitates gas exchange and contains chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Adventitious Roots Roots that form from plant parts other than the primary root system, often in response to environmental conditions. Petiole The stalk that attaches a leaf to the stem, allowing it to pivot and capture sunlight. Photomorphogenesis The regulation of plant growth and development in response to light conditions, including photoperiod and light quality. Vascular Bundle A cluster of xylem and phloem tissues responsible for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant. 15 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Vascular Cambium The meristematic tissue responsible for secondary growth in stems and roots of woody plants. Phyllotaxis The arrangement of leaves on a stem, often described as alternate, opposite, or whorled. Germination Rate The percentage of seeds that successfully sprout and grow into seedlings. Soil pH A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, influencing nutrient availability to plants. Herbivory The consumption of plants by herbivorous animals, which can affect plant growth and survival. Plant Pathology The study of plant diseases and their causes, including fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Allele Different forms of a gene that can influence plant traits and characteristics. Hormone Chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes in plants, such as growth, development, and response to stimuli. 16 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Meristem Undifferentiated plant tissue responsible for growth and development, found at the tips of stems and roots. Propagation The process of producing new plants from seeds, cuttings, or other plant parts. Xeriscaping Landscaping and gardening practices that minimize water use by selecting drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation methods. Phylogenetics The study of the evolutionary relationships among species or groups of organisms, often depicted in phylogenetic trees. Eutrophication The process by which excess nutrients (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus) in water bodies can lead to algal blooms and ecological imbalances. Osmosis The movement of water molecules through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Translocation The movement of sugars and other organic compounds within a plant from the source (e.g., leaves) to the sink (e.g., roots or developing fruits). Acclimatization The process by which plants adapt to new environmental conditions, such as changes in temperature or light. 19 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Xerophyte Plants adapted to arid or desert environments, often with specialized adaptations for water conservation. Mycology The scientific study of fungi, which includes their identification, classification, and ecological roles. Symbiosis A close and long-term interaction between different species, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Leaf Venation The pattern of veins in a leaf, which can be parallel (monocot) or reticulate (dicot). Micropropagation A technique for rapidly producing large numbers of plants from small pieces of tissue in a sterile laboratory environment. Phenolic Compounds Secondary metabolites in plants that serve various functions, including defense against herbivores and pathogens. Phytochemicals Biologically active compounds found in plants, often with potential health benefits for humans. Photoinhibition The reduction in the rate of photosynthesis in plants due to excess light, which can damage photosynthetic machinery. 20 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Aquaponics A sustainable agricultural system that combines aquaculture (fish farming) with hydroponics (soilless plant cultivation). Phytoremediation The use of plants to remove or degrade contaminants from soil, water, and air, often in polluted environments. Mycoheterotrophy A plant's dependence on mycorrhizal fungi for nutrients, often because the plant lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize. Palynology The study of pollen grains and spores, including their use in plant identification, forensic science, and paleontology. Leaf Abscission The natural shedding of leaves, often in deciduous plants, during the changing seasons. Trichomes Hair-like structures on plant surfaces that can serve various functions, such as reducing water loss and deterring herbivores. Botanical Garden A curated collection of living plants for research, conservation, and public education. Herbarium A repository of dried plant specimens, often used for scientific research and reference. 21 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Ethylene A plant hormone that regulates various processes, including fruit ripening and senescence. Seed Bank A facility for the storage of seeds, preserving genetic diversity and endangered species. Clonal Reproduction A method of asexual plant reproduction in which new plants are produced from a single parent, genetically identical to the parent. Plant Tissue Cells that are grouped together to perform specific functions in a plant, including parenchyma, collenchyma, and sclerenchyma. Mycotoxicology The study of toxic compounds produced by fungi and their effects on plants, animals, and humans. Soil Microorganisms Microscopic organisms in the soil, including bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which play essential roles in nutrient cycling. Emergent Vegetation Plants that grow partially submerged in water, often in wetlands and along water bodies. Exotic Species Non-native species introduced to a new environment, often with the potential to disrupt native ecosystems. 24 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Photopigments Molecules that absorb light in photoreceptors, playing a role in plant responses to light and environmental cues. Niche The ecological role and position of a species within an ecosystem, including its interactions with other species and the physical environment. Wetland An area characterized by water saturation or seasonally saturated soils, supporting plants adapted to wet conditions. Xylem Sap The water and dissolved nutrients transported through the xylem tissue from the roots to other parts of the plant. Phloem Sap The sugary sap that flows through the phloem tissue, carrying the products of photosynthesis throughout the plant. Seed Coat The protective outer covering of a seed, which provides physical protection and regulates water absorption. Osmoregulation The control of water and solute levels within plant cells to maintain turgor pressure and avoid wilting. Parthenocarpy The development of fruit without fertilization, resulting in seedless fruit in some plant species. 25 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Lateral Meristem Meristematic tissue responsible for secondary growth in plant stems and roots, increasing girth or diameter. Quiescent Center A region of actively dividing cells in the root apical meristem that maintains a population of meristematic cells. Auxins Plant hormones that regulate various growth and developmental processes, including phototropism and gravitropism. Gibberellins Plant hormones that regulate stem elongation, flowering, and seed germination. Ethnobotany The study of the relationships between plants and people, often focusing on traditional uses of plants by indigenous cultures. Secondary Metabolites Chemical compounds produced by plants that are not directly involved in essential life processes but often have ecological or medicinal significance. Terpenes A diverse class of plant secondary metabolites responsible for various scents and flavors in plants, including essential oils. Phenology The study of the timing of recurring natural events in plants, such as flowering, leaf emergence, and fruiting. 26 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Halophyte Plants adapted to grow in saline or saltwater environments, often with specialized mechanisms for salt tolerance. Thigmomorphogenesis Changes in plant growth and morphology in response to mechanical stimuli, such as wind or touch. Apomixis A type of asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are produced without fertilization, resulting in genetically identical offspring. Vegetative Reproduction A method of asexual plant propagation involving the use of non-reproductive plant parts, such as stems or leaves. Apical Dominance The phenomenon where the terminal bud inhibits the growth of lateral buds, regulating the overall shape of a plant. Mutualistic Relationship A type of symbiosis where both plant and partner organism benefit, such as mycorrhizal associations and pollination. Symbiosis The interaction between two different species that live closely together, including mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Dicotyledon A type of angiosperm (flowering plant) characterized by having two cotyledons (seed leaves) in the embryo. 29 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Invasive Species Non-native plants that can outcompete native species and disrupt local ecosystems, often causing harm to the environment. Xeric Environment A dry or arid habitat where plants have adapted to conserve water, often with succulent features or deep roots. Mesic Environment A habitat with moderate moisture levels, supporting a wide range of plant species and biodiversity. Halophyte Plants adapted to grow in saline or saltwater environments, often with specialized mechanisms for salt tolerance. Halophyte Plants adapted to grow in saline or saltwater environments, often with specialized mechanisms for salt tolerance. Aeroponics A soilless plant cultivation method where plant roots are suspended in an air or mist environment and receive nutrients from a nutrient-rich solution. Climbing Plant Plants that use specialized structures like tendrils, thorns, or twining stems to climb and support their growth. Epiphyte Plants that grow on other plants, such as trees, without harming or taking nutrients from the host plant. 30 | P a g e University: SU Plant Identification Terminology Rhizome An underground horizontal stem from which shoots and roots grow, often found in plants like ginger and irises. Plant Taxonomy The science of classifying and naming plants, which helps organize the diversity of plant species.