Plants are some of the most amazing organisms on our planet. They are found in all corners of the globe, from the cold plains of the Tundra to the dry, barren deserts; plants have adapted themselves to our planet quite exquisitely. However, as the Earth’s climate continues to change, many plants are forced to adapt once more to their changing weather patterns.

How much light do plants need to grow?

This question may sound simple, but it is very complex. Of the thousands upon thousands of plant species there are, each needs its own unique amount of sunlight for optimal growth; however, seppe33 explains that most house plants can be broken into three categories when in comes to measuring how much light they need. Low-light plants only need 10-15 watts, Medium-light plants need 15-20 watts and High-light plants need 20 or more watts of power through conventional growing bubs in order to grow most efficiently. Meanwhile, in the wild, most plants do not have their growth restricted by a lack of sunlight but rather a lack of nutrients or resources. Most plants need at least a few hours of sunlight a day to begin growing but once they are established, plants can continue to live on minimal sunlight; they just will not grow as quickly since they cannot perform photosynthesis without the sun’s bountiful rays.

Do plants curve and twist to find light?

Several plants clearly displaying evidence of phototropism, growing towards light.

This is an excellent question asked by member Anaya. Cerberus explains that plants will instinctively twist and turn, growing towards sunlight. This is attributed to a phenomenon called phototropism; essentially, plants can feel the energy from the sun the react to these stimuli by expending all its energy to grow towards its food source. Additionally, plants have been known to grow away from light sources that are less beneficial in a process known as negative phototropism. You can witness this amazing feat at home as Benz point out simply by putting a plant on the windowsill; turn the plant so it’s not facing the sun and over the course of a few days, it will actually change its direction and grow towards the sun!

How many species of grass are there in the world?

Wheat is a modern descendent of an ancient grass and today feeds billions world-wide.

We don’t realize this, but grasses are probably the most important collection of plants on our planet. Not only do grasses make up the basis of all terrestrial food chains on Earth, but grasses also provide humans with the majority of its food. Rice, corn and wheat, three of the four staple crops in the modern diet are all modern day descendents of what were once wild grasses and were originally domesticated in India, meso-America and Mesopotamia respectively. Despite our dependence on a few select grasses, we are clearly oblivious to all other species; member franceseugenia claims that there are more than 10,000 species of grass throughout the world. Grasses have managed to adapt to nearly every corner of our planet and have clearly solidified themselves as one of nature’s ultimate survivors.

What does tree bark do for the tree?

Bark can act like a suit of armor, protecting trees from animals as large as elephants.

Jaiden asks a good question here because most plants do not have bark, so what evolutionary advantage does having bark give a plant? Rachelk writes that a plant’s bark serves several key purposes including; protecting the plant from animals, diseases and parasites as well as to protect the fragile inside from wind, fire and other environmental hardships. Bark’s main purpose evolutionarily is to protect the delicate network of channels and arteries along which water and other nutrients that are transported up the plant from its roots to its leaves to perform photosynthesis and produce food. Bark acts like a plant’s skin and like the skin of many animals, bark can be repaired and re-grown. Click this link to learn more on how to repair damaged trees and their bark.

Should we make an effort to save old historical trees like the oak mentioned in this article?

Article: Winter Overcomes 1,200-year-old Oak

This question was asked in response to a GreenAnswers news report regarding a 1200 year old oak tree that recently claimed by the bleak English winter. While this tree was killed by natural causes, the preservation of ancient trees should be one of our primary goals. Many members including trezevant acknowledge the importance of these trees. Ecologically, these ancients have much to teach us about their respective species, but ancient trees are also important culturally. Whether it be General Sherman in America or the Buddhist holy tree of Sri Maha Bodhi, trees have always and will continue to hold out a special place in our views of nature and the wilderness.