Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: chris on 03/01/2014 08:46:52

Title: How do trees and other plants keep track of the seasons?
Post by: chris on 03/01/2014 08:46:52

Trees and other plants "know" when to flower each year so they can reproduce. How?

Title: Re: How do trees and other plants keep track of the seasons?
Post by: RD on 03/01/2014 10:21:46

One way or another they take their cue (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeitgeber) from the amount of sunlight they receive : day length (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photoperiodism) , or temperature crossing a threshold.

Title: Re: How do trees and other plants keep track of the seasons?
Post by: alancalverd on 03/01/2014 14:05:53

Cues above ground are all very well, but the temperature 10 cm below the surface varies very little, and not entirely in synch with the seasons. Bulbs and deciduous trees are very clever!