Botanical Terms

Name:

Date:

Instructions: Plant science and botany vocabulary

1.
What is the process called when a seed begins to sprout and grow?
A
Germination
B
Photosynthesis
C
Pollination
D
Transpiration
2.
What does 'deciduous' mean when describing a tree?
A
It sheds its leaves annually
B
It produces cones instead of flowers
C
It grows only in tropical climates
D
It has needle-like leaves
3.
What is the 'stamen' in a flower?
A
The male reproductive organ that produces pollen
B
The sweet nectar-producing gland
C
The stem that supports the flower
D
The colorful petal
4.
What does 'photosynthesis' literally mean?
A
Sugar making
B
Putting together with light
C
Air breathing
D
Water splitting
5.
What is a 'rhizome' in botany?
A
A type of flower arrangement
B
A horizontal underground stem that sends out roots and shoots
C
A parasitic plant organism
D
A seed dispersal mechanism
6.
What are 'cotyledons' commonly called?
A
Seed leaves
B
Root hairs
C
Flower buds
D
Tree rings
7.
What is 'transpiration' in plants?
A
The growth of roots toward water
B
The process of making seeds
C
The absorption of nutrients from soil
D
The loss of water vapor through leaves
8.
What does 'perennial' mean for a plant?
A
It lives for more than two years
B
It blooms only once then dies
C
It only grows in spring
D
It completes its life cycle in two years
9.
What is the 'pistil' of a flower?
A
The female reproductive organ
B
The pollen-carrying structure
C
The outer protective covering
D
The fragrant oil gland
10.
What does 'chlorophyll' do in plants?
A
Absorbs light energy for photosynthesis
B
Attracts pollinating insects
C
Protects against frost damage
D
Transports water through the stem
11.
What is a 'tuber' in botany?
A
A thickened underground part of a stem used for storage
B
A flower that opens at night
C
A type of leaf arrangement
D
A woody climbing vine
12.
What is the 'cambium' layer in a tree?
A
The outermost bark
B
The central heartwood
C
The root cap at the tip of roots
D
The thin layer of growing tissue between bark and wood
13.
What does 'annual' mean when describing a plant?
A
It sheds leaves once a year
B
It produces fruit once a year
C
It blooms every year in the same season
D
It completes its entire life cycle in one growing season
14.
What is 'propagation' in gardening?
A
The process of creating new plants from existing ones
B
Removing dead flowers from a plant
C
Pruning branches for shape
D
Applying fertilizer to soil
15.
What is a 'succulent' plant known for?
A
Producing large fragrant flowers
B
Growing extremely tall
C
Climbing walls and fences
D
Storing water in its thick, fleshy leaves or stems

Answer Key

Question 1

A. Germination

Question 2

A. It sheds its leaves annually

Question 3

A. The male reproductive organ that produces pollen

Question 4

B. Putting together with light

Question 5

B. A horizontal underground stem that sends out roots and shoots

Question 6

A. Seed leaves

Question 7

D. The loss of water vapor through leaves

Question 8

A. It lives for more than two years

Question 9

A. The female reproductive organ

Question 10

A. Absorbs light energy for photosynthesis

Question 11

A. A thickened underground part of a stem used for storage

Question 12

D. The thin layer of growing tissue between bark and wood

Question 13

D. It completes its entire life cycle in one growing season

Question 14

A. The process of creating new plants from existing ones

Question 15

D. Storing water in its thick, fleshy leaves or stems

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