Ammophila (plant)

Ammophila (plant) - Quiz

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

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

2. What are the common names for Ammophila grasses?

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

3. Where are Ammophila species primarily found?

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

4. How do Ammophila grasses stabilize sand dunes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A) It increases the salinity tolerance of remaining plants.
B) It completely restores the original ecosystem.
C) It enhances the growth rate of Ammophila.
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) American robin and blue jay.
C) Peregrine falcon and bald eagle.
D) Canada goose and mallard duck.

12. What is the native range of Ammophila species?

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

13. What type of plants are Ammophila grasses considered?

A) Hydrophytes, which grow in water.
B) Xerophytes, which can withstand dry conditions.
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) 35 cm long
B) 22 cm long
C) 30 cm long
D) 25 cm long

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

A) Festuca rubra (red fescue)
B) Calamagrostis epigejos
C) A. champlainensis
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) 1779
C) 1705
D) 1792

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