Definition
noun
The total amount or weight, or energy content, of (a portion of) organisms existing in a specific area at a particular time.
Supplement
In plants, the standing crop pertains to the amount of plant material harvested by normal procedures, and may not necessarily include the entire plant.
Compare: biomass
Plants, like animals, produce hormones to regulate plant activities, including growth. They need these hormones to respond well to their environment and to sustain growth, development, and dispersal. Plant biologists recognize five major groups of plant hormones: auxins, gibberellins, ethylene, cytokinins, and abscisic acid. Find out in this guide the importance of each hormone in the life of a plant...
Plants and animals need elements, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium for proper growth and development. Certain chemicals though can halt growth, e.g. herbicides in plants, or affect normal physiological activities, e.g. alcohol. For more info, read this tutorial on the effects of chemicals on plants and animals...
Lentic or still water communities can vary greatly in appearance -- from a small temporary puddle to a large lake. The size and depth of a still body of water are major factors in determining the characteristics of that ecosystem. Learn in this elaborate tutorial how life thrives in and influenced by a still-water habitat...
This tutorial introduces flowing water communities, which bring new and dithering factors into the equation for possible species occupying the area. Read to know more...
The movement of molecules (specifically, water and solutes) is vital to the understanding of plant processes. This tutorial will be more or less a quick review of the various principles of water motion in reference to plants. ..
This lesson explores the impact of biosecurity threats, and why they need to be identified and managed. Examples to include are cases of the bacterium PSA causing disease on kiwifruits, myrtle rust, and biological control...
