Key Terms
This resource provides explanations of the key concepts encountered when exploring this context – the ‘basics’ that every student should understand.
Page links to Key Term definitions
- Fern
- Botany
- Biosystematics
- Classification
- Herbarium
- Rhizome
- Frond
- Sporangia
- Hybrid
- Long-distance dispersal
- Molecular analysis
- Adaptation
- Propagation
List of Key Term definitions
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1. Fern
A fern is a green flowerless plant that usually has divided leaves and grows in damp, shady places. Ferns are unique as they have two separate independent living stages.
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2. Botany
Botany is the scientific study of plants. This field of study encompasses terrestrial, freshwater and ocean plants, as well as algae and some non-plants like fungi.
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3. Biosystematics
The study of the variation and evolution of a population of organisms in relation to their taxonomic classification.
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4. Classification
The process of ordering living things into a system that allows scientists to identify them. The Linnaean classification system groups organisms based on what species they are most closely related to.
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5. Herbarium
A collection of dried plants mounted and classified for botanical study or the building or container that holds the plant collection.
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6. Rhizome
A root-like subterranean stem that usually sends roots below and sends up shoots. In ferns rhizomes, can be erect, creeping or vertical (forming a trunk).
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7. Frond
The leaf of a fern. Fronds range greatly in size and can be undivided or multidivided. Fronds serve the dual purpose of photosynthesis and reproduction.
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8. Sporangia
The structures in which spores are produced. Sporangia are found on the underside of fern fronds.
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9. Hybrid
The offspring of two different plant species.
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10. Long-distance dispersal
The movement of a plant or animal across a long distance of unsuitable habitat. Lightweight fern spores scatter easily in the wind and, under ideal conditions, can travel vast distances.
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11. Molecular analysis
The extraction and examination of DNA from cells to reveal information about the evolution and the relationships of different species.
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12. Adaptation
An alteration or adjustment in structure that is often hereditary. An adaptation allows a species to improve its condition in relation to its environment.
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13. Propagation
To multiply by any process of natural reproduction. Ferns propagate through spore dispersal, by transplanting rhizomes and in some cases through bulbils.
