Before you start revising for the Required Practicals you could be assessed on this year, remember that plants are amazing! Not only do they photosynthesise to provide us with food and oxygen – but they can also behave in amazing ways!
The Corpse Flower, found in Indonesia is incredibly smelly! As it blooms during the night it will produce a stench of rotting flesh. This attracts flies and beetles from miles away to come and pollinate it. Luckily the blooms only last around 24 to 36 hours, and it only actually blooms once every seven to nine years! It can grow up to 8 feet tall – and may be very smelly, but it also has the largest collection of flowers (inflorescence) in the world.
Ever heard of the Vegetable Sheep? There really is a plant which looks like a sheep! It has leaves which appear woolly – and has adapted to survive in rocky areas of New Zealand. Inside it is like a sponge, keeping the plant alive when this is very little rain. There are also plants that look exactly like baseballs, found in South Africa. The male and female flowers actually grow on different plants! If you do ever see one, do not touch – they are toxic!
Try our new guide “How to work with Required Practicals 2022: Part 1”. It focuses on the Biology practicals needed for Paper 1 (AQA) in 2022. It includes:
Foundation Paper: Using a Microscope, Enzymes, Photosynthesis.
Higher Paper: Food Tests, Enzymes, Photosynthesis.
You will find a brief description of what you need to know about each practical, and key questions you may be asked. As always there are questions to try, and answers to check your understanding.
If you found this useful and think you would benefit from some additional help, please contact us.
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