(a)(i) Name two types of germination of seeds giving one example of each type. (ii) Describe a simple experiment to demonstrate that oxygen, water and warmth are necessary for germination of seeds. (b) State two distinguishing features each of (i) epiphytes (ii) parasites (c) Give two examples o parasitic plants.
Explanation
(a)(i) Types of germination with examples: Epigeal germination e.g. cowpea/bean seed. Hypogeal germination e.g maize grain/wheat/oil palm/guinea corn. (ii) Experiment to demonstrate factors necessary for germination:
Some dry cotton wool are placed at the bottom of each of conical flasks labeled A,B,C and D. In flask A, few/2 to 4 bean seeds are placed on dry cotton wool; the flask is placed in a warm place. In flask B the cotton wool is moistened together with the seeds in it Test tube containing pyrogailic acid and caustic soda/pyrogaliol is suspended in flask B; to absorb oxygen; flask B is put in a warm place In flask C a little water is placed on the cotton wool and seeds and it is placed in a warm place; In flask D a little water is poured on the seeds to moisten them and it is placed in the refrigerator the four flasks are observed for four to five days/few days; only the seeds in flask C germinated. This shows that oxygen, water/moisture and warmth are necessary for seed germination.
(b)(i) Epiphytes: -
A plant which grows on/supported by another plant/lives on trees Where it competes with other producers for sunlight It does not take manufactured food from the support plant It is capable of photosynthesis.
(ii) Parasites: -
An organism that lives on or in another organism is called a host it obtains shelter/protection/food from the host At the expense of the host/leading to harm/death of the host.
(c) Examples of plant parasites: - Dodder Striga Mistletoe Cassytha