Question | Answer |
Sporangia | structure in which spores are produced, means spore container |
Rachis | central stalk of the frond |
Pinnae | leaflets that are attached to the rachis |
Sori | a cluster of sporangia on the underside of a fern frond |
Prothallus | tiny, heart shaped plantlet |
Rhizoids | root-like structures attached to the prothallus |
Antheridia | male parts of the prothallus |
Archegonia | female part of the prothallus, contains the eggs |
Fiddlehead | young, unfurled frond of a fern |
Gemma | a little packet of cells that can produce a new prothallus somewhere else |
Where do you usually find ferns in the forest? | shade of the forest floor |
Why are ferns found in these areas? | they like moist areas |
What is a frond? | a fern leaf |
What are spots sometimes found on the underside of a frond? | Sori, which are groups of sporangia |
In the fern life cycle, what is the little structure with male and female plant parts? | Prothallus |
What must be present for the sperm to reach the egg? | Water |
What is the little baby frond that unfurls called? | Fiddlehead |
What are some ways ferns produce new plants? | They can produce runners, some leaves can produce a new fern if they touch the soil, and the prothallus can also make a gemma. |
What are tree ferns? | large ferns that look like trees |
How are they different from cycads and palms? | The trunks are not made of wood, and they reproduce with spores. At certain times, they also have fiddleheads. |
Bryophytes | nonvascular plants |
Desiccate | the ability to dry out for long periods of time without dying |
Algae | microscopic creatures that typically live in water |
Fungus | living organism that feeds off of dead creatures |
Decomposer | class of organisms that feed off living things, they "break down" dead things and recycle them back into creation |
Symbiosis | when two different orgamisms form a relationship where each is dependent on one another |
Dormant | the period of time in which an organism's activity and growth stops |
Sporophyte | the stage in the life cycle in which a plant produces spores |
Gametophyte | the stage in the life cycle in which a plant produces gametes or sex cells |
Pigments | a chemical that produces color |
Will lichen die if it dries out? Explain | No. They have a special ability to dry out without dying called desiccate. |
From where do lichen get water? | The air |
List some uses for lichen. | Good for environment, break down rocks to produce soil; they are a source of food for animals; and a home for insects. |
List some uses for algae. | Nutritional supplements, cosmetics, toothpaste, ice cream, and even medicine. |
Where can you find algae? | Usually in water. |