Personal notes for RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Plant Growth and Development
Unit 1: Plant Science 1: Lifecycle adaptations: AO2 Application
Plant life cycle adaptations have several advantages that help them survive in different environments. Some of these advantages include:
Exploitation of short growing season: In regions with a short growing season, plants have adapted to grow and reproduce quickly before the onset of winter. This adaptation allows them to complete their life cycle within a short period of time and produce seeds that can survive the winter and germinate in the following spring.
For example: Alpine forget-me-not: This plant is found in the alpine regions of Europe and has adapted to grow and reproduce quickly before the onset of winter.
Avoidance of extreme weather conditions: Plants have evolved various mechanisms to avoid extreme weather conditions such as drought, frost, and heatwaves. For example, some plants have developed deep roots to access water from underground sources, while others have developed thick leaves to reduce water loss through transpiration.
For example: Cushion plants: These plants are compact and low-growing, which helps them survive in cold and windy conditions. They trap airborne dust and use it as a source of nutrients.
Ecological niches: Plants have adapted to occupy specific ecological niches, which are unique habitats that provide specific environmental conditions. For example, some plants have adapted to grow in acidic soils, while others have adapted to grow in saline soils.
For example: xerophytic plants such as Joshua tree which has evolved a deep root system that allows it to access water stored deep in the soil. Its spiky leaves also help to reduce water loss through transpiration.
Growth in less favourable conditions: Plants have adapted to grow in less favourable conditions such as low light, low nutrient availability, and high salinity. For example, some plants have developed mechanisms to capture and digest insects to obtain nutrients, while others have developed symbiotic relationships with fungi to obtain nutrients.
For example, plants known as halophytes have evolved to tolerate high levels of salt in their environment, this includes Hibiscus syriacus, also known as rose of Sharon, this plant is a moderately salt-tolerant shrub that can grow in saline soils but in more extreme environments, Spartina alterniflora, also known as smooth cordgrass, is a plant that is found in salt marshes and can tolerate high levels of salt in the soil.
These adaptations have allowed plants to thrive in different environments and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
Fascinating explanations. Thank you. The discussion of adaptations is particularly thought-provoking. Most of the plants in my garden that prefer sun have had to adapt to partial sun. And the garden changes from year to year, so observing how that affects them is so interesting.
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