the dependence of…life on Earth on the ability of photosynthetic organisms…to use sunlight in photosynthesis to build organic molecules that are an essential energy store
Know that snowdrops are seasonal organisms that rely on energy stores in bulbs
Appreciate that stored food promotes early growth and relies on photosynthesis from the previous year.
organisms are organised
Snowdrops are examples of “seasonal communities” that have a short growing season, which is terminated by the emergence of tree leaves, that cast shade over the woodland floor.
They have a number of adaptations that enable them to grow early in the year, the first of which is the ability to store energy as food in bulbs. Snowdrops are adapted to grow through frozen soil. They are a sign of the arrival of spring, and are therefore cultivated in gardens, which has significantly promoted their survival over the generations, selecting for early flowering and showy flowers with the characteristic green colouring. This is an association between humans and a wild plant, that has greatly benefited both groups.
There are other secrets of the snowdrop, which will be revealed in future stories.
In the mean time, ask students, why, if the snowdrops are storing food all year in underground bulbs, are the bulbs not eaten by animals?
More on this later….
