To Study The Given Plant In Semi-technical Terms And Identification Of Its Family. | Grade Xi

THEORY:

Plant identification is the process of determining the scientific name of a plant. It is a fundamental skill in botany and is used for various purposes, such as classification, research, and conservation. Plants can be identified using a variety of characteristics, including their morphology, anatomy, and physiology.

The semi-technical terms used in plant identification refer to the basic morphological and anatomical features of plants. These terms are used to describe the shape, size, and arrangement of plant parts. For example, the term "leaf" refers to a flattened, photosynthetic structure that grows from the stem of a plant. The term "petal" refers to a colorful leaf-like structure that forms part of a flower.

The identification of a plant family is often based on the characteristics of its flowers. Flowers are the reproductive structures of plants and exhibit a wide variety of forms. The shape, size, color, and arrangement of floral parts can be used to identify plant families. For example, the Asteraceae family is characterized by its composite flowers, which are made up of many small individual flowers. The Orchidaceae family is characterized by its irregular flowers, which often have a spur or lip.

PROCESS:

1. Collection of Plant Specimens:

   • Collect a specimen of the plant to be identified.
   • The specimen should include a representative sample of the plant's vegetative and reproductive structures, such as leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
   • If possible, collect the specimen from a known location and record the date and time of collection.

2. Preparation of Plant Specimens:

   • Preserve the plant specimens by pressing them between sheets of newspaper or mounting them on herbarium sheets.
   • If the specimens are fresh, they can be dried in a plant press or an oven at a low temperature.
   • Once the specimens are dry, they can be stored in a herbarium or a collection cabinet.

3. Examination of Plant Specimens:

   • Use a hand lens or a magnifying glass to examine the plant specimens closely.
   • Observe the shape, size, and arrangement of the plant's vegetative and reproductive structures.
   • Make detailed notes of your observations, including the color, texture, and any other distinctive features of the plant.

4. Identification of Plant Family:

   • Use a dichotomous key or a taxonomic guide to identify the plant family to which the specimen belongs.
   • A dichotomous key is a series of paired statements that lead you to the correct identification of a plant.
   • A taxonomic guide provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of different plant families.

5. Confirmation of Identification:

   • To confirm your identification, compare your specimen with images and descriptions of the plant in a field guide or an online database.
   • You can also consult with an expert botanist or a plant identification specialist.

OBSERVATIONS:

The observations made during the experiment will vary depending on the plant specimen being studied. However, some common observations that can be made include:

• The shape, size, and color of the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
• The arrangement of the leaves on the stem (alternate, opposite, or whorled).
• The shape and size of the flowers, including the number of petals, sepals, stamens, and pistils.
• The arrangement of the flowers on the stem (solitary, raceme, panicle, etc.).
• The presence of any distinguishing features, such as thorns, spines, or trichomes.

OBSERVATION TABLE:

The following table can be used to record the observations made during the experiment:

Plant Part	Shape	Size	Color	Arrangement
Leaf
Stem
Flower
Fruit
Other Distinguishing Features

 

CALCULATION:

No calculations are required for this experiment.

RESULTS:

The results of the experiment will include the scientific name of the plant specimen and the identification of its family.

PRECAUTIONS:

• When collecting plant specimens, be careful not to damage the plant or its surroundings.
• Always wash your hands after handling plant specimens, especially if you are working with poisonous or allergenic plants.
• When using chemicals, such as potassium hydroxide or acetic acid, wear gloves and eye protection.
• When using a compound microscope, be careful not to damage the microscope or the plant specimen.