The+Private+Life+Of+Plants

Watch the video "The Private Lives of Plants - Growing" and answer the following questions:

o Why do young seedlings of climbers grow away from light? Climbers require a tree to grow on. Trees block light. Growing away from light increases the chances of being under a tree.

o What are the forces that cause the leaves to unfold during growth?

o Why are some of the leaves and leaf stalks “hairy”? To trap the moisture so as to reduce the water loss as they do not have a layer of wax on the leaves yet and lose water easily.

o Name as many different types of leaf shape as possible. Needle-shape, broad five-finger fern,

o Name a few strategies that plants use to gather light. Moves it leaves to the direction of sun Sharp/ pointy surface - to focus the sunlight Red underside - capture reflected light from soil Transparent patches on leaves that act as lenses - focus sunlight

o Why do roots have root hairs? What are their characteristics?

Function Maximize surface area for absorption of water and mineral salts  Characteristics Large surface area to volume ratio - extended Strong cap - penetrate soil Fine/thin

o How much water is loss through the stomata? 90% of water sucked in by roots

o How do trees “pump” water up its trunk to the leaves in the canopy layer? Through the xylem in the trunks. Transpirational pull and root pressure.

o What are the properties of these “pipes”? What are they called? Xylem. Tubes are hollow and very thin. Thick walls to withstand pressure.

o How do plants prevent the problem of having too much water accumulating on its large leaf surface especially in the tropics? Tough leaves. Gutters to carry away water. Pointed tips at the end to sure water drains away.

o Why do proboscis monkeys have to spend so many hours eating? Why do they have a large belly? Leaves are not very nutritious. Large belly to contain bacteria to break down the tough leaves and for the leaves to ferment.

o How do you tell the difference between a leaf that has been eaten by a caterpillar and that of a grasshopper?

o What are the damages that are inflicted on plants? What strategies do these plants employ to protect themselves? Use the examples featured in the show to explain their strategies e.g. Acacia, Nettle, pebble plant, passion flowers, bracken, mimosa, Venus fly trap, marsh pitcher

Pebble plant - mimics colour of ground around it Passion flowers - yellow dots on surface to mimic butterfly's eggs