The Intelligence of Plants

Science and Technology · 10 questions

No brain, and yet they solve problems.

Answer each question first, then check with “Show the answer”. You can also play the same quiz in the Quizera app by searching for it in Explore, as a live game, a test or flashcards.

1. What is a plant's growth towards light called?

   1. Geotropism
   2. Phototropism
   3. Hydrotropism
   4. Thigmotropism
   Show the answer

   B) Phototropism

2. What is root growth in the direction of gravity called?

   1. Geotropism
   2. Phototropism
   3. Chemotropism
   4. Nastic movement
   Show the answer

   A) Geotropism

3. What underground network lets forest trees share nutrients and signals?

   1. Contact between root hairs
   2. Flowing groundwater
   3. Threads of fungi
   4. Tunnels dug by insects
   Show the answer

   C) Threads of fungi

4. How is it explained that neighbouring plants defend themselves after one is damaged?

   1. Vibrations through the soil
   2. Direct physical root contact
   3. A change in light levels
   4. Volatile chemicals released into the air
   Show the answer

   D) Volatile chemicals released into the air

5. What kind of response is the mimosa folding when touched?

   1. A slow growth orientation
   2. A rapid response to a stimulus
   3. A photosynthetic reaction
   4. A completely random movement
   Show the answer

   B) A rapid response to a stimulus

6. Why did carnivorous plants evolve to trap insects?

   1. To get nitrogen in poor soil
   2. To obtain water
   3. To collect more light
   4. To drive off competing plants
   Show the answer

   A) To get nitrogen in poor soil

7. What can tree rings reveal?

   1. The exact species of tree
   2. The colour of the soil
   3. How deep the roots reach
   4. The climate conditions of past years
   Show the answer

   D) The climate conditions of past years

8. Plants can respond to touch and vibration.

   1. True
   2. False
   Show the answer

   A) True

9. Plants have a nervous system and a brain.

   1. True
   2. False
   Show the answer

   B) False

10. Some seeds need a trigger such as fire or cold before they will germinate.

    1. True
    2. False
    Show the answer

    A) True