| Zellanna | 11-28-2008 11:15 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by LisaPotter1125
(Post 7515574)
Astrid took notes on everything that the professor had just said. She was extremely happy for the explanation, the book confused her so. She raised her hand and asked, "Sir, isn't it just the last attempt at survival for the polycarpic plants."
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Amira With a C
(Post 7515602)
Camira raised her hand. "There are two things that I can think of, the first being survival instinct. The plant is going to die for sure if it does nothing, so if there is even a glimmer of hope that blooming might allow it to live by being able to absorb more sunlight, nutrients, etc, it'll do that and put everything it has into that. It's like when humans jump out of burning buildings. They're choosing the less harmful option in hopes of surviving, even though it kills them a lot of the time.
The other thing, though I'm not completely sure of, is survival of the species, if you will. Hopefully, if the flower blooms fully, when the plant dies, the flower will fall off and hopefully start a new generation, assuming the flower is one that does not need the assistance of another to complete reproduction, like a bee or something." She hoped that was right.
| Quote:
Originally Posted by deviljo8586
(Post 7518397)
Sapphire raised her hand and said "it is for their survival sir i also found this in the book" she read it out ""
| Quote:
Originally Posted by EquestrianGal88
(Post 7518939)
Freya raised her hand, "I think it's purpose would be to make sure that it is able to drop a final seed before it's life ends. That way it can ensure in some way that it's class will survive. Even thought the effort this process takes winds up killing it. Although it may not be consciously aware, it's instinct." 'Right? After all, that's the main purpose of any life form. To make sure that it's species survives...'
| Quote:
Originally Posted by Miss Lissy Lou
(Post 7518964)
Cale raised his hand. "Well, even if the plant is about to die, it can still try and blossom and create pollen or more seeds in the bud to try and make more offspring when it dies. Then when it falls to the ground, hopefully a few of the seeds will germinate in the ground and create new flowers." he explained.
| "Excellent. Three points to each of you. Yes, it is always possible if a plant is dying, that at least its offspring will prosper. And if the plant is dying due to lack of water or nutrients, then the offspring may not sprout until such a time as those things are available."
He smirked at the lot of them. "By the way, these behaviors are not specific to plants, and can even be found amongst both muggle and wizard. Read some history lessons for examples, for I will not give them. However, I shall conclude the lesson on this."
He waved his wand and the homework appeared on the board:
Quote:
Define these terms (1 pt each):
Monocarpic
Polycarpic
Annual
Biannual
Perennial
What are some methods plants use to carry on the species in harsh conditions? (5 pts)
What might be some ways to prolong plant life, taking away the need for such last attempts? (5 pts)
Extra credit:
Define "plietesial" (1 pt)
What could be other ways for a plant to save itself when dying, not discussed in class? (2 pts)
| "When you are finished writing down the homework, you may stay or leave. I will be free to answer questions, and you can look at the plants I currently have here. Many of these are from a sort of 'rescue' done recently. Only the weaker transplants have been raised by myself. You will notice that plants on a last flowering have mostly flowers, and very few leaves or branches otherwise. I have a few rose bushes with the larger sucker. Theo, please remain behind." With those words he stepped a good distance away from the door and covered his face and hands by his robes, before the students could open the door. |
