Ch. 34 - Plant Form and Function

Freeman - Biological Science 8th Edition

Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263Not the one you use?Change textbook

Freeman 8th Edition

Ch. 34 - Plant Form and Function

Problem 6

Chapter 34, Problem 6

Explain why continuous growth enhances the phenomenon known as phenotypic plasticity.

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Phenotypic plasticity refers to an organism's ability to alter its phenotype (observable traits) in response to environmental changes. Begin by understanding that continuous growth allows organisms to experience and respond to a wider range of environmental conditions over time.

Continuous growth means that an organism is not fixed in size or form after a certain stage, allowing it to adapt its development and morphology to changing environmental factors, such as light, temperature, or nutrient availability.

As the organism grows, it can allocate resources differently based on environmental cues. For example, a plant might grow taller in low light to maximize photosynthesis or develop deeper roots in response to water scarcity. This flexibility is a hallmark of phenotypic plasticity.

Continuous growth provides more opportunities for the organism to express different phenotypes at different stages of its life, enhancing its ability to survive and reproduce in variable environments.

In summary, continuous growth enhances phenotypic plasticity by extending the time frame and range over which an organism can respond to environmental changes, thereby increasing its adaptability and fitness in diverse conditions.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Continuous Growth

Continuous growth refers to the ongoing development and increase in size or complexity of an organism throughout its life. This growth can be influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, resource availability, and genetic predispositions. In many species, continuous growth allows for adaptation to changing environments, which is crucial for survival and reproduction.

Phenotypic Plasticity

Phenotypic plasticity is the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to environmental variations. This adaptability can manifest in physical traits, behaviors, or physiological processes, enabling organisms to optimize their fitness in diverse conditions. For example, a plant may alter its leaf size or shape based on light availability, showcasing its plasticity.

Interaction Between Growth and Plasticity

The interaction between continuous growth and phenotypic plasticity is significant because ongoing growth provides the necessary resources and opportunities for an organism to express its plastic traits. As organisms grow, they can respond to environmental cues more effectively, allowing them to adjust their development and behavior to maximize survival and reproductive success in fluctuating conditions.

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06:53

Secondary Growth

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Which statement best characterizes primary growth?

a. It does not occur in roots, only in shoots.

b. It leads to the development of cork tissue.

c. It produces the dermal, ground, and vascular tissues.

d. It produces rings of xylem, phloem, and cork tissue.

Textbook Question

Which statement best characterizes secondary growth?

a. It results from cell divisions in the vascular and cork cambia.

b. It increases the length of the plant stem.

c. It results from divisions in the apical meristem cells.

d. It often produces phloem cells to the inside and xylem cells to the outside of the vascular cambium.

Textbook Question

Describe the general function of the shoot and the general function of the root system. Which tissues are continuous throughout these two systems?

Suggest a hypothesis to explain why the shoot and root systems of different species are so variable in size and shape.

Textbook Question

What does the cuticle do?

What do stomata do?

Predict how the thickness of the cuticle and the number of stomata differ in plants from wet habitats versus dry habitats.

Textbook Question

You attached a birdfeeder to a tree 5 years ago at a position 6 feet above the ground. The tree has grown since at a rate of 1 foot per year. What is the current height of the birdfeeder?

Textbook Question

Identify the structure you are consuming when you eat each of the following: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, celery, spinach, carrots, and potatoes.