Skip to ContentGo to accessibility pageKeyboard shortcuts menu
OpenStax Logo
Biology for AP® Courses

Critical Thinking Questions

Biology for AP® CoursesCritical Thinking Questions

62 .
Plants with shallow roots are more easily damaged by some herbivores. Make a logical case to support this claim.
  1. Shallow roots do not anchor the plant to the ground and can be easily uprooted. Once the plant is no longer in the ground, the roots are unable to grow back.
  2. Plants with shallow roots do not anchor the plant to the ground; meristems can be easily damaged and cannot grow back when not in the ground.
  3. Shallow roots do not anchor the plant to the ground and can be easily uprooted. However, once the plant is no longer in the ground, roots recover quickly.
  4. Shallow roots anchor the plant to the ground strongly but can be uprooted when soil is damaged, and they grow back very slowly.
63 .
A researcher intends to test the effects of several growth factors on the differentiation of plant tissue. What would be the best choice of experimental tissue?
  1. dermal tissue
  2. meristematic tissue
  3. vascular tissue
  4. ground tissue
64 .
Based on your understanding of meristematic tissues, evaluate the descriptions below. Choose the one that best compares the locations and functions of the three types of meristematic tissues.
  1. Apical meristems found in the tip of stems and roots promote growth by elongation; lateral meristems found at nodes and bases of leaf blades promote increase in length; and intercalary meristems found in the vascular and cork cambia promote increase in girth.
  2. Apical meristems found at nodes and bases of leaf blades promote growth by elongation; lateral meristems found in the vascular and cork cambia promote increase in girth; and intercalary meristems found in the tip of stems and roots promote increase in length.
  3. Apical meristems found in the tip of stems and roots promote growth by elongation; lateral meristems found in the vascular and cork cambia promote increase in girth; and intercalary meristems found at nodes and bases of leaf blades promote increase in length.
  4. Apical meristems found in the tip of stems and roots promote growth by elongation; lateral meristems found in the vascular and cork cambia promote increase in length; and intercalary meristems found at nodes and bases of leaf blades promote increase in length.
65 .
(credit: modification of work by Douglas Wilkin, Ph.D. and Barbara Akre/ck12)

The image shows the parts of a leaf.

Which part(s) are the vascular tissue?

  1. Epidermis, including stoma and guard cells.
  2. Mesophyll, including xylem and pholem.
  3. Mesophyll, excluding xylem and pholem.
  4. The xylem and the pholem.
66 .
(credit: modification of work from BrainKart)
What kind of plant tissue would you expect to find at the location marked with the letter A?
  1. Apical meristem.
  2. Lateral meristem.
  3. Intercalary meristem.
  4. Permanent tissue.
67 .
Which statements list two advantages of a taproot?
  1. It anchors the plant, so that it is not easily uprooted by predators or wind. It is a sink for proteins that is protected from herbivores by being underground.
  2. It anchors the plant, so that it is not easily uprooted by predators or wind. It is a source of starches that is protected from herbivores by being underground.
  3. It anchors the plant, so that it cannot be uprooted by predators or wind. It is a sink for starches that is protected from herbivores by being underground.
  4. It anchors the plant, so that it is not easily uprooted by predators or wind. It is a sink for starches that is protected from herbivores by being underground.
68 .
Students observe several slides of tissue cross-sections under the microscope. They are asked to develop a key system to classify the slides as coming from either monocot or dicots. What key system should the students develop?
  1. In monocots, the vascular bundles form a distinct ring. In dicots, the vascular bundles are scattered in the ground tissue.
  2. In monocots, the vascular tissue forms a characteristic X shape in the center. In dicots, the phloem and xylem cells are scattered in the pith.
  3. In monocots, the vascular bundles are scattered in the ground tissue. In dicots the vascular bundles form a distinct ring.
  4. In monocot roots, the pith is absent or very small. In dicots, the pith is large and well developed.
69 .
What are the functions of stomata and guard cells, and what would happen to a plant if these cells did not function correctly?
  1. Guard cells allow carbon dioxide to enter and exit the plant. Stomata regulate the opening and closing of guard cells. If the cells didn’t function, photosynthesis and transpiration would cease, which would interfere with the necessary continuous flow of water upward from roots to leaves.
  2. Stomata allow oxygen to enter and exit the plant. Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of stomata. If the cells didn’t function, photosynthesis would continue but transpiration would cease, which would interfere with the necessary continuous flow of water upward from roots to leaves.
  3. Guard cells allow carbon dioxide to enter and exit the plant. Stomata regulate the opening and closing of guard cells. Transpiration and in turn, photosynthesis would not occur which is necessary to maintain a continuous flow of water upwards from the roots to the leaves.
  4. Stomata allow gases to enter and exit the plant. Guard cells regulate the opening and closing of stomata. Photosynthesis and, in turn, transpiration, would not occur which is necessary to maintain a continuous flow of water upwards from the roots to the leaves.
70 .
(credit: modification of work from STIHL)

The image show a strawberry plant.

What are the long, horizontal stalks that grow sideways from the pot?

  1. Runners that will produce clone plants.
  2. Corms, that store starches.
  3. Tubers, that store starches.
  4. Rhizomes, that can produce clone plants.
71 .
(credit: modification of work by Pinkachu/Planet Coaster)

Water lillies have leaves that float on the surface of the water.

Based on this information, make a hypothesis about the stomata on water lilly leaves.

  1. Water lilly leaves have stomata on both upper and lower leaf surface.
  2. Water lilly leaves have stomata only on the upper leaf surface.
  3. Water lilly leaves have stomata only on the lower leaf surface.
  4. Water lilly leaves have no stomata.
72 .
(credit: modification of work by Susan Patterson/Gardening Know How)

Girding is cutting the bark of a tree in a ring, as shown in the image. This will kill the tree.

What does this tell us about trees?

  1. The bark is important for the tree's defense. Without it, the tree is open to infections and may die.
  2. Trees use their bark to control their water loss. Removing a part of the bark means the tree will lose more water than normal, leading to its death.
  3. Trees are dicots, and cutting a ring around them destroys all their phloem.
  4. The tree relies on its bark for producing energy. Without a section of its bark, the tree wil be short on ehergy.
73 .
A time course is developed to follow the fate of the vascular bundles in the stem of dicots. Sections along the stem are fixed, stained, and observed under a microscope. Predict what will happen to the vascular bundles in the stem of a dicot as the plant matures, as revealed by the results.
  1. The vascular bundles join to form growth rings.
  2. The vascular bundles divide into primary xylem and primary phloem.
  3. The vascular bundles divide into secondary xylem and primary phloem.
  4. The vascular bundles die out.
74 .
Which description correctly compares a tap root system with a fibrous root system?
  1. A tap root system, such as that of carrots, has a single main root that grows down. A fibrous root system, such as that of wheat, forms a dense network of roots that is closer to the soil surface. Fibrous root systems are found in monocots and tap root systems are found in dicots.
  2. A fibrous root system, such as that of a carrot, has a single main root that grows down. A taproot system, such as that of wheat, forms a dense network of roots that is closer to the soil surface. Fibrous root systems are found in monocots and tap root systems are found in dicots.
  3. A taproot system, such as that of rice, has a single main root that grows down. A fibrous root system, such as that of a carrot, forms a dense network of roots that is closer to the soil surface. Fibrous root systems are found in monocots and tap root systems are found in dicots.
  4. A taproot system, such as that of a carrot, has a single main root that grows down. A fibrous root system, such as that of wheat, forms a dense network of roots that is closer to the soil surface. Taproot systems are found in monocots and fibrous root systems are found in dicots.
75 .
What is the advantage of a root cap covering the apical meristem of a root?
  1. It provides protection and helps in absorption.
  2. It increases the surface area of root for absorption of water and minerals.
  3. It protects meristem against injury and provides lubrication for the growing root to dig through soil.
  4. It protects the meristem against injury and helps in absorption.
76 .
How does selective uptake of water and mineral take place in a root?
  1. Water and minerals must follow entirely a path between cells, where selectivity occurs.
  2. Water and minerals must follow entirely a path between cells, where no selectivity occurs.
  3. Water and minerals must cross the endodermis.
  4. Water and minerals must cross the tracheids of the xylem.
77 .
Support the claim that a plant gains advantages by storing a food reserve underground by comparing and selecting from the descriptions below.
  1. Food reserves are more nutritious underground. The soil conditions make these food reserves abundant.
  2. Food reserves underground are hidden from potential predators. The soil conditions make these food reserves abundant.
  3. Food reserves are more nutritious underground. Soil conditions such as moisture and temperature are less variable.
  4. Food reserves underground are hidden from potential predators. Soil conditions such as moisture and temperature are less variable.
78 .
Some desert plants have taproots that extend up to 20-30 feet underground. Others have fibrous root systems that cover wide areas. Make a case that accurately compares the advantages of a deep taproot and the advantages of a fibrous root system in a desert.
  1. A deep taproot can reach the deeper soil regions that stay moist after several rainfalls. A shallow fibrous system provides additional support to anchor the plant in the desert.
  2. A deep taproot provides additional support to anchor the plant in the desert. A shallow fibrous system increases the amount of water that can be absorbed after a light rainfall when the soil dries quickly in the desert.
  3. A deep taproot increases the amount of water that can be absorbed after a light rainfall when the soil dries quickly in the desert. A shallow fibrous system can better reach the soil regions that stay moist after several rainfalls.
  4. A deep taproot can reach the deeper soil regions that stay moist after several rainfalls. A shallow fibrous system increases the amount of water that can be absorbed after a light rainfall when the soil dries quickly in the desert.
79 .
Samples of leaves from monocots and dicots are piled on the table in a laboratory and students begin to sort the leaves. Determine which trait below will provide the correct information to help students identify which leaves are monocots and which are dicots.
  1. Bulliform cells are usually absent from monocots, whereas they are present on the upper epidermis of dicot leaves.
  2. Monocots have leaves with parallel venation and dicot leaves have reticulate, net-like venation.
  3. Dorsiventral symmetry is observed in monocot leaves, whereas isobilateral symmetry is observed in dicot leaves.
  4. Monocots have leaves with reticulate, net-like venation and dicot leaves have parallel venation.
80 .
Justify the claim that a compound leaf gives a plant a selective advantage to avoid herbivory by describing the mechanism that makes this benefit true.
  1. Compound leaves produce specific types of chemical compounds that are harmful to herbivores.
  2. It is more efficient for large herbivores to eat large, simple leaves.
  3. Compound leaves are thicker and tougher than simple leaves.
  4. It is more difficult for large herbivores to locate the small leaflets of compound leaves.
81 .
Stomata are usually found in higher numbers on the abaxial or bottom surface of a leaf. Demonstrate why this is the case by explaining the advantage of such an arrangement.
  1. Presence of stomata on the abaxial or bottom surface ensures that no, or very little, water is lost due to guttation.
  2. The abaxial or bottom surface receives more sunlight and water evaporates faster by transpiration.
  3. Herbivores are more likely to not eat leaves with stomata on the abaxial or bottom surface.
  4. The adaxial or upper surface, by contrast, receives more sunlight and water evaporates faster by transpiration.
82 .
Different plants have adaptations to various environmental demands. Differentiate between the scenarios presented to make a claim for which plants have leaves that are adapted to cold temperatures, and which specific adaptations they employ.
  1. Conifers such as spruce, fir, and pine have oval-shaped leaves with sunken stomata, helping to reduce water loss.
  2. Succulents such as aloes and agaves have waxy cuticles with sunken stomata, helping to reduce water loss.
  3. Conifers such as spruce, orchids, and pine have needle-shaped leaves with sunken stomata, helping to reduce water loss.
  4. Conifers such as spruce, fir, and pine have needle-shaped leaves with sunken stomata, helping to reduce water loss.
83 .
Accurately compare and contrast two plant structures, a leaf and a leaflet.
  1. A leaf petiole attaches directly to the stem at a bud node, whereas a leaflet petiole is attached to the main petiole or the midrib, not the stem.
  2. A leaf has reticulate venation, whereas a leaflet shows parallel venation.
  3. A leaf petiole attaches to the main petiole or the midrib, not the stem, whereas a leaflet petiole attaches directly to the stem at a bud node.
  4. A leaf has parallel venation whereas a leaflet shows reticulate venation.
84 .

Scientists on a new project to restore a damaged salt marsh are investigating several plants that could be introduced. Plant X is considered a possible candidate. Before the decision is made, the following data are examined. Assume that the contribution of gravity and matric potential are negligible and can be ignored.

Recall that the overall water potential for a system is represented by the equation: Ψsystem = Ψtotal = Ψs + Ψp + Ψg + Ψm

Overall Ψ of the soil: -2.1MPa solute potential of the plant’s cell contents: -0.12MPa pressure potential (Ψp) of the plant’s cells: -2.3 MPa

Based on the data, make a claim for whether or not Plant X is a good candidate for introduction to the salt marsh. Support your claim with reasoning.

  1. Yes, because the overall water potential of the plant is less negative than the water potential of the soil.
  2. No, because the overall water potential of the plant is less negative than the water potential of the soil.
  3. Yes, because the overall water potential of the plant is more negative than the water potential of the soil.
  4. No, because the overall water potential of the plant is more negative than the water potential of the soil.
85.

What organs in humans are similar in function to the vascular tissues of vascular plants?

86.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is an important step in the development of xylem. How does apoptosis contribute to xylem development?

87 .
A florist decided to paint the leaves of some poinsettia plants with a gold paint to embellish them. The plant soon wilted and the leaves drooped. Make a claim to correctly explain what biological effect caused this damage.
  1. The paint clogged the stomata. Without photosynthesis, the plant could not pull water from the soil.
  2. The paint clogged the stomata. Without transpiration, the plant could not pull water from the soil.
  3. The paint clogged the hydathodes. Without transpiration, the plant could not pull water from the soil.
  4. The paint clogged the stomata. Without guttation, the plant could not pull water from the soil.
88 .
The process of bulk flow transports fluids in a plant. What are the two main bulk flow processes?
  1. Movement of water up the xylem and movement of solutes up and down the phloem
  2. Movement of water up the phloem and movement of solutes up and down the xylem.
  3. Movement of water up and down the xylem and movement of solutes up the phloem
  4. Movement of solutes up the xylem and movement of water up and down the phloem
89 .
During a severe drought, the soil becomes dry and its water potential decreases. Many plants will wilt in such an environment. Consider that the overall water potential for a system is represented by the equation: Ψsystem = Ψtotal = Ψs + Ψp + Ψg + Ψm What is one reason that plants are unable to draw water from the soil?
  1. The water potential of the soil becomes lower than the water potential of the plants.
  2. The water potential of the soil becomes lower than the solute potential of the plants.
  3. The water potential of the soil becomes higher than the water potential of the plants.
  4. The solute potential of the soil becomes lower than the water potential of the plants.
90 .
A botanist compares the number of stomata between two plants. The first plant, a eucalyptus, has stomata equally distributed on both sides of the leaf. The second plant has most of its stomata on the underside of the leaf. Comparing the leaves, evaluate what the positioning of the stomata indicates about which leaf surfaces on the two plants receive light in their natural environment.
  1. The first plant receives light only on the upper surface of the leaves, whereas the leaves of the second plant are equally exposed to sunlight.
  2. The first plant receives light only on the lower surface, whereas the second plant receives light only on the upper surface.
  3. The first plant receives light only on the upper surface, whereas the second plant receives light only on the lower surface.
  4. The first plant has leaves that are equally exposed to sunlight, whereas the second plant receives light only on the upper surface.
91 .
In the Northern Hemisphere, owners and managers of plant nurseries have to plan lighting schedules for a long-day plant that will flower in February. What lighting periods and color will be most effective?
  1. Long periods of illumination with light enriched in the red range of the spectrum
  2. Short periods of illumination with light enriched in the red range of the spectrum
  3. Long periods of illumination with light enriched in the far-red range of the spectrum
  4. Short periods of illumination with light enriched in the far-red range of the spectrum
92 .
Why do plants that cannot detect gravity show stunted growth with tangled roots and trailing stems?
  1. Without gravitropism, both roots and seedlings would grow upward.
  2. Without gravitropism, roots would grow in all directions and seedlings would grow upward.
  3. Without gravitropism, roots would grow upward but seedlings would not grow upward toward the surface.
  4. Without gravitropism, roots would grow in all directions but seedlings would not grow upward toward the surface.
93 .
Storage facilities for fruits and vegetables are usually refrigerated and well ventilated. Why are these conditions advantageous?
  1. Refrigeration slows chemical reactions, including fruit ripening. Ventilation adds the ethylene gas that speeds up fruit maturation.
  2. Refrigeration slows chemical reactions, including fruit maturation. Ventilation removes the ethylene gas that reduces fruit ripening.
  3. Refrigeration slows chemical reactions, including fruit maturation. Ventilation removes the ethylene gas that speeds up fruit ripening.
  4. Refrigeration removes the ethylene gas that speeds up fruit ripening. Ventilation slows chemical reactions, including fruit maturation.
94 .
A Venus fly trap has a very low sensitivity threshold, yet it can tell the difference between the light touch of an insect and a drop of rainwater or wind. Make a claim proposing a mechanism for how the Venus fly trap can differentiate between a random stimulus and an actual prey.
  1. Hair-like appendages on the surface of the leaves respond to repeated contact.
  2. Hair-like appendages on the surface of the leaves respond to a single contact.
  3. Hair-like appendages on the surface of the leaves respond to chemical stimulus from the insect.
  4. Hair-like appendages on the surface of the leaves respond to electrical stimulus from the insect.
95 .
Stomata close in response to bacterial infection. This response is a defense mechanism because it ________ , and the hormone involved is ________ .
  1. restricts the entry of O2; gibberellin
  2. restricts the entry of CO2; abscisic acid
  3. prevents further entry of pathogens; auxin
  4. prevents further entry of pathogens; abscisic acid
96 .
Why is shade avoidance an important survival mechanism for plants? Would you expect seeds with large energy storage to display as strong a response of shade avoidance as small seeds with limited reserves?
  1. A seedling growing in the shade of a mature plant will not have enough light to promote meristematic growth. A seed with large storage will be able to sustain growth until its seedling can reach enough light for photosynthesis.
  2. A seedling growing in the shade of a mature plant will not have enough light to promote photosynthesis. Small seeds with limited reserve will be able to sustain growth until seedlings can reach enough light for photosynthesis.
  3. A seedling growing in the shade of a mature plant will not have enough light to promote photosynthesis. A seed with large storage will be able to sustain growth until its seedling can reach enough light for photosynthesis.
  4. A seedling growing in the shade of a mature plant will not have enough light to promote respiration. Small seeds with limited reserve will be able to sustain growth until their seedlings can reach enough light for photosynthesis.
Citation/Attribution

This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission.

Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the Creative Commons Attribution License and you must attribute OpenStax.

Attribution information
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, then you must include on every physical page the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/biology-ap-courses/pages/1-introduction
  • If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a digital format, then you must include on every digital page view the following attribution:
    Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/biology-ap-courses/pages/1-introduction
Citation information

© Jul 10, 2024 OpenStax. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License . The OpenStax name, OpenStax logo, OpenStax book covers, OpenStax CNX name, and OpenStax CNX logo are not subject to the Creative Commons license and may not be reproduced without the prior and express written consent of Rice University.