Gymnosperms and Angiosperms
What does the word "gymnosperm" mean?
"Naked seed," referring to seeds not enclosed in an ovary or fruit.
How many cotyledons (seed leaves) do monocots have compared to dicots?
Monocots have one; dicots have two.
What is the primary difference between an annual and a perennial plant?
Annuals complete their life cycle (germinate, bloom, die) in one growing season, whereas perennials live for more than two years.
How many years does it typically take for a biennial plant to complete its life cycle?
Two years.
Unlike annuals that die after one season, what is the minimum number of years a perennial plant typically lives?
More than two years
Which group of plants, dominating Earth today, uses flowers to produce seeds?
Angiosperms.
What type of venation do dicot leaves typically exhibit?
Net-like or branching veins
True or False: Annuals are more likely than perennials to have, through, a, very, long blooming period?
True; because annuals put all their energy into reproduction in one season, they often bloom longer than perennials.
What do most biennials produce during their first growing season?
Leaves, a root system, and, in many cases, a "rosette" of foliage low to the ground.
Often called "queen of the garden," this long-lived perennial is famous for its large, fragrant spring flowers and can live for over 50 years. What is it?
The Peony
What is the largest and most widespread group of gymnosperms, known for producing cones?
Coniferophyta (Conifers).
If a flower has petals in multiples of three, is it likely a monocot or a dicot?
A monocot
Which popular, shade-loving annual is known for its intense, colorful foliage rather than its flowers?
Coleus
Name three common kitchen vegetables that are technically biennials
Carrots, onions, and cabbage.
Which popular purple-flowering medicinal perennial was formerly classified as Rudbeckia but now belongs to the genus Echinacea?
Purple Coneflower
How are most gymnosperms pollinated?
By wind
Do monocots or dicots have vascular bundles scattered throughout their stems?
Monocots
Which annual, known for its, through, a, wide, range, of, colors, is often used in hanging baskets and, through, is, also, called, a, "cranesbill"?
Geranium
What key event usually occurs in the second year of a biennial's life that does not occur in the first?
Flowering, producing seeds, and then dying
Known for being a "tough as nails" plant that thrives in dry shade, what perennial is often called "bishop's hat" or "fairy wings"?
Epimedium
Which gymnosperm species is considered a "living fossil" because it is the only remaining species in its division?
Ginkgo biloba.
Which root system is characteristic of dicots, allowing for a primary, large root?
Taproot system.
Why do gardeners often "deadhead" (remove dead flowers from) annual plants?
To prevent the plant from, through, creating, seeds, which, redirects energy back into producing more flowers.
What is the term for plants that, like many biennials, drop their own seeds to create new plants the following year?
Self-seeding or self-sowing.
What is the common name for the perennial Hemerocallis, which gets its name from the fact that each bloom only lasts for one day?
Daylily.