Kara's Journal Entry

Among the various trees and shrubs I observed in Summit Woods, a member of the Parthenocissus genus stands out particularly, as it is an example of a climbing plant, or a vine. This enables it to rely on other plants or structures for support rather than investing energy into creating its own supportive tissue, which means they can grow and reach sunlight more efficiently. Notably, this adaptation evolved independently in multiple species, making it an example of convergent evolution.

In line with the project theme, all species observed are either trees or shrubs. What unites them is that both are woody plants, that is, their stems are composed of hard wood rather than the soft, watery tissue of herbaceous plants. This crucial adaptation provides these plants with the support to grow much larger and survive much longer, which, of course, allows them to produce more offspring.

The common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) was introduced to North America artificially and is now classified as an invasive species in some states. It is a part of the Rhamnus genus of the Rhamneae tribe of the buffalo-thorn family (Rhamnaceae). The buffalo-thorn family is located within the Rosales genus of the Rosidae clade, which itself is a small subcategory of flowering plants.

Publicado el septiembre 25, 2020 07:09 TARDE por karaign