Ammophila (plant)

Ammophila (plant) - Quiz

1. What is the origin of the genus name 'Ammophila'?

A) It is named after a famous botanist.
B) It comes from Greek words meaning 'sand friend'.
C) It refers to its ability to grow in wetlands.
D) It is derived from Latin terms for 'beach plant'.

2. What are the common names for Ammophila grasses?

A) Saltbush and sandwort.
B) Dune shrub and seaside plant.
C) Marram grass, bent grass, and beachgrass.
D) Coastal weed and dune flora.

3. Where are Ammophila species primarily found?

A) In mountainous regions.
B) In inland forests.
C) Along riverbanks.
D) On the first line of coastal dunes.

4. How do Ammophila grasses stabilize sand dunes?

A) By producing a sticky substance.
B) By growing tall and blocking the wind.
C) By absorbing large amounts of water.
D) Through their extensive system of creeping underground stems or rhizomes.

5. What is Ammophila's tolerance to saline soils?

A) They cannot tolerate any salinity.
B) They prefer freshwater conditions.
C) They can tolerate a salinity of about 15 g/L (1.5%).
D) They thrive in highly saline environments.

6. Which species of Ammophila is mentioned as being introduced to British colonial settlements?

A) Ammophila breviligulata.
B) Ammophila arenaria, the European species.
C) Ammophila longifolia.
D) Ammophila californica.

7. When did initial plantings of European marram grass begin on the Oregon coast?

A) In the late 19th century.
B) In the mid-21st century.
C) In the early 20th century.
D) During World War II.

8. What ecological impact has Ammophila had on the Oregon coast?

A) It increased soil fertility significantly.
B) It improved biodiversity by attracting new species.
C) It spread uncontrollably, replacing native vegetation and weakening natural storm protection.
D) It reduced coastal erosion without any negative effects.

9. Which methods have been used to remove Ammophila infestations in California?

A) Chemical fertilizers were applied.
B) Herbicide treatments and handpulling.
C) Genetic modification was employed.
D) Only natural predators were introduced.

10. What is a potential downside of using bulldozing to remove Ammophila?

A) It enhances the growth rate of Ammophila.
B) It completely restores the original ecosystem.
C) It increases the salinity tolerance of remaining plants.
D) It may harm endemic dune plants and negatively impact dune geomorphology.

11. Which bird species is adversely affected by Ammophila infestations?

A) Western snowy plover and streaked horned lark.
B) Peregrine falcon and bald eagle.
C) American robin and blue jay.
D) Canada goose and mallard duck.

12. What is the native range of Ammophila species?

A) Deserts in Africa and Asia.
B) Alpine regions in Europe.
C) The coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Great Lakes of North America.
D) Tropical rainforests around the equator.

13. What type of plants are Ammophila grasses considered?

A) Xerophytes, which can withstand dry conditions.
B) Hydrophytes, which grow in water.
C) Mesophytes, which need moderate moisture.
D) Epiphytes, which grow on other plants.

14. What is the maximum length of inflorescence for Ammophila breviligulata?

A) 30 cm long
B) 22 cm long
C) 35 cm long
D) 25 cm long

15. Which plant becomes prominent in semi-fixed dunes where Ammophila is less competitive?

A) Calamagrostis epigejos
B) A. champlainensis
C) Festuca rubra (red fescue)
D) Juniper

16. In which year was the practice of pulling bent, broom or juniper off sand hills banned by an Act of the Scottish Parliament?

A) 1695
B) 1705
C) 1779
D) 1792

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