Science of Plants (VSAQ’s)
Botany-1 | 3. Science of Plants – VSAQs
Welcome to VSAQs in Chapter 3: Science of Plants. This page includes the most important FAQs from previous exams. Each question is answered in a concise format to help you understand quickly and aim for top marks in your final exams.
VSAQ-1: Who is popularly known as the Father of Botany? What was the book written by him?
The Father of Botany is Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher who lived around 300 BC. He is best known for his work “Historia Plantarum” (The History of Plants), where he classified and documented various plants. This book laid the groundwork for Botany as a scientific discipline. Just as we classify plants like Mango and Neem in our gardens in Andhra Pradesh, Theophrastus did something similar on a broader scale.
VSAQ-2: Who are Herbalists? What are the books written by them?
Herbalists are experts in using plants for medicinal purposes. They write books called Herbals, which describe various plants and their uses in treating illnesses. For example, “De Materia Medica” by Dioscorides is a famous Herbal from ancient times. It’s like the traditional knowledge of using Tulsi leaves for colds, passed down through generations here, but documented in a formal book.
VSAQ-3: Why is Mendel considered the Father of Genetics?
Gregor Mendel is known as the Father of Genetics because of his experiments with Pea Plants in the mid-1800s. He discovered the basic principles of Heredity, such as how traits are passed from one generation to the next, which became the foundation of Modern Genetics.
VSAQ-4: Who discovered the cell and what was the book written by him?
The discovery of the Cell is often credited to Robert Hooke, who, in 1665, observed cells in a slice of cork using a microscope. He detailed his findings in the book “Micrographia.” However, the development of Cell Theory was furthered by scientists like Matthias Schleiden and Theodor Schwann.
VSAQ-5: What is Palaeobotany? What is its use?
Palaeobotany is the study of Fossilized Plants. It helps scientists understand the Evolution of Plants and the Climate of ancient times. Imagine finding an old leaf fossil in a rock near a village in Telangana; Palaeobotanists study such fossils to learn about past plant life and environments.
VSAQ-6: Name the branches of Botany which deal with the chlorophyllous autotrophic thallophytes and non-chlorophyllous heterotrophic thallophytes.
Phycology is the branch of Botany that deals with Chlorophyllous Autotrophic Thallophytes, specifically Algae. On the other hand, Mycology deals with Non-chlorophyllous Heterotrophic Thallophytes, which are Fungi. For instance, when studying Seaweed found along the coast of Andhra Pradesh, you’re diving into Phycology, while studying Mushrooms in the forests of Telangana touches on Mycology.
VSAQ-7: Which group of plants is called vascular cryptogams? Name the branch of Botany which deals with them.
Vascular Cryptogams refer to Pteridophytes, a group of Seedless Vascular Plants that reproduce through spores. The study of these plants falls under the branch of Pteridology. Just like Ferns growing in the shaded, damp areas of Andhra Pradesh, Pteridologists focus on understanding the life cycle and structure of such plants.
VSAQ-8: Which group of plants is called amphibians of the plant kingdom? Name the branch of Botany which deals with them.
Bryophytes are known as the Amphibians of the Plant Kingdom because they thrive in moist environments and require water for reproduction. The branch of Botany that studies Bryophytes is called Bryology. Think of the Mosses that grow in the moist areas of Telangana; Bryologists study these plants to understand their unique characteristics.