PLS 831

   Taxonomy of Ornamental Plants

    Spring 1997

             Test 1

                                    Name ________________________________________

Part I.  Short Answer.  Answer each of the following question, in the space provided, with concise answers.

1.   The angiosperms are believed to be the group of plants with the greatest number of derived characteristics.  Please indicate what these characteristics are, and list four other, less derived groups (phyla or divisions) including the definitive characteristics for each of the groups.  (10 points)

2.   Order (the order need not be totally linear) the 6 subclasses of the Magnoliopsida from ancestral to derived.  (5 points)

3.   Order the most ancestral, an intermediate, and the most derived subclasses of the Liliopsida.  (5 points)

4.     Based on the families that we have studied, what characteristics embody the Magnoliidae?  (10 points)

5.     What was the significance of studying Saruma henryi in the first paper which we discussed in class and was the stem and leaf anatomy sufficient to make a final decision on the disposition of the phylogeny of the plant?  (10 points)

6.   Draw (diagram or define) the following leaf, inflorescence, flower and fruit: To 12 ft.; lfts. 9-15, ovate to quadrangular, to 5 in. long, yellowish-green above, glaucescent beneath, with mostly 1-4 teeth on upper edge and 3-6 on lower; racemes 3-6 in. long, upright, densely fld., with acute bracts 1/8 in. long, calyx of 3, free and distinct sepals, corolla of 6 free and distinct petals, petal-like nectaries present; androecium of 6 stamens, distinct, anthers opening by flaps; gynoecium of a simple pistil having 1 carpel and 1 locule, ovules few, basal, placentation marginal, ovary superior; fr. 2/5 in. long, blue-black berry.  (10 points)

Part II.  Essay.  25 points each.  Please answer each of the following questions with complete, clearly written statements.  Do not exceed the space provided for each question (front side only).

1.   The morphology of the stamen is frequently used as a criterion in differentiating among families.  Trace the evolution of the stamen from the theoretical ancestral type to the most derived type, noting changes in overall morphology, dehiscence types, pollen grain grouping and pollen grain nuclear status.  Indicate two potential ancestral types and evidence for each.

2.   Compare and contrast the organization of the higher plants by Bentham and Hooker, Bessey, and Englaer and Prantl.  Indicate whether each is artificial, natural or phylogenetic.  How did each order the major groups (gymnosperms, monocots and dicots) of plants?  Within the diots how were the plants with free petals (polypetalae or archechlamydeae), with fused petals (gamopetalae or sympetalae) and no petals (monochlamydeae, amentiferae or strobiloideae) ordered?  Have any of these accounted for secondary reduction.