Fern Basics
What is the name of the leaves of a fern?
Fronds
What is the main stem of a fern called?
Stipe
What is the first stage of a fern's life cycle?
Spore
What is the most favorable environment in which ferns grow?
Ferns usually grow in moist, shady woodland nooks
In what type of habitat are ferns most commonly found?
Moist, shady areas
What is the process called where ferns reproduce using spores?
There are two generations in a fern's lifecycle, the diploid generation, and the haploid generation. The diploid generation has a full complement of genetic material, while the haploid generation has only half the genetic material.
What are the small leaflets on a fern frond called?
Pinnae
What is the name of the heart-shaped gametophyte stage of ferns?
Prothallus
How are ferns different from flowering plants
Flowering plants (including trees) produce seeds, while ferns produce spores
What role do ferns play in their ecosystem?
Provide habitat and food for other organisms
Which part of the fern anchors it to the ground?
Rhizome
What structure on the underside of a fern frond contains spores?
Sori
Where is the true stem of a fern
The true stem of a fern grows underground.
Which fern is known for its ability to grow on rocks and cliffs?
Rock fern
Medicinal uses of Adiantum aleuticum (Western Maidenhair Fern)
Frond tea is used to strengthen mucosal membranes, treat coughs, throat congestion, and respiratory irritation caused by air pollution.
True or False: Ferns produce flowers.
False
Which part of the fern absorbs water and nutrients?
Roots
Three kinds of sori
Woodwardia
Pteridium
Andiantum
Onoclea
What type of fern can be found in tropical rainforests and has large, divided fronds?
Tree fern
How do ferns contribute to the soil?
Through decomposition of their fronds
What is the name of the young, coiled fronds of a fern?
Fiddleheads
What part grows above the ground
frond
What is the process called when a spore germinates into a prothallus?
Gametophyte development
How long does it take a spore to develop into a mature plant?
If the gametophyte is fertilized, it will grow into a young fern in about 3 and a half months to 4 months
How do spores travel from the parent plant to a new location?
spores are so tiny (invisible to the naked eye), even the slightest breeze will carry them great distances.