AMERICAN GARDENER

What Are R-selected Species? R-selected species also referred to as r-strategists are species whose populations are governed by their biotic potential (maximum reproductive capacity, r). The production of numerous small offspring followed by exponential population growth is the defining characteristic of r-selected species. They require short gestation periods, mature quickly (and thus require little or no parental care), and possess short life spans. Unlike K-selected species, … Read more

What Is A Cladogram? A Cladogram is a type of diagram that shows hypothetical relationship between groups of organisms, including their common ancestors. The term “cladogram” comes from the Greek words clados, which means “branch,” and gramma, which means “character.” The diagram resembles the branches of a tree that extend outward from a trunk. However, the shape … Read more

The Bunsen burner has a controllable air supply and a constant gas jet, therefore when the air supply is reduced; a highly visible, yellow/orange ‘safe flame’ is produced. For heating work, the air inlet is opened and the burner produces a much hotter blue flame. Therefore, the two flames produced by a Bunsen burner can … Read more

What Are Ruminant Animals? Ruminants also referred to as ‘’polygastrics’’ are herbivores with a complex (four-part stomach) which allow them to chew food more than once. Parts of their stomach structure include, Rumen, Reticulum, Omasum and abomasums. The rumen and the reticulum are connected and work in concert and are therefore sometimes referred to as … Read more

What Does Stomata Mean? Stomate also referred to as Stoma, plural stomata or stomas , are any of the microscopic openings or pores in the epidermis  of leaves and young stems. The Stomata are generally more numerous on the underside of leaves. They provide for the exchange of gases between the outside air and the … Read more

What Is Springwood? In the spring season, cambium is very active and produces a large number of xylem elements having vessels with wider cavities. It produces a large number of xylem elements. This xylem contains bigger and several pores which are regularly xylem vessels with wider opening and lumens. The lumens are having fewer fibers … Read more

What Is Xylem? Xylem is a vascular tissue in plants that transport water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant and also provides physical support. Xylem is found in all vascular plants including the seedless club mosses, ferns, horsetails as well as all gymnosperms (flowering plants) and gymnosperms (plants with … Read more

What Is An Aldose Sugar? Aldoses are a type of monosaccharide that contains an aldehyde group on its carbon skeleton. Generally, an Aldose contains an aldehyde with two or more hydroxyl groups attached; one of the hydroxyl groups is at the end opposite to the aldehyde. The aldehyde group is a reactive chemical group denoted … Read more