Peony may have evolved to cover the bud with the waxy coating
Not what you're looking for?
Why the peony may have evolved to cover the bud with the waxy coating?
Here is the answer I received from a previous TA. But it doesn't make any sence to me as it talks about scale and not Peony.
'Scale insects are the most common insects on plants. They usually go unnoticed until considerable damage has been done and a large population has developed. Many of them have several generations a year. They injure by sucking vital juices from the plant. Peony scale is found on the stems and branches of camellias (and azaleas). They are hard to recognize as they camouflage themselves well. The hard shell which covers their body is blended to match the color of the stems. Scale insects vary considerably in appearance. They may be circular, oval, elliptical to oyster-shell shaped and even linear and rectangular. Some are flattened and others elevated, resembling a tortoise shell. Colors range from white to black, but grays and browns predominate. Most species are from 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter. Some kinds of scales infest the leaves of plants, while others are found both on stems and leaves, and still others are attached chiefly to the stems. Because of their waxy covering, scales are less affected by variations in weather or natural enemies.'
My question remains: how has the peony plant evloved to cover the bud with the waxy coating meaning how did it come to become this way? Why and how the evolution from a non-waxy coating (if this ever existed) to a waxy coating take place?
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
The expert examines peony which may has evolved to cover the bud with the waxy coating.
Solution Preview
I believe the point the previous TA was trying to make was the dangerous nature of scale insects on plants, and in particular, the peony plant. As peony plants are very vulnerable to predation by the scale insects, the evolutionary explanation involves an evolution of the peony as a mechanism to combat or counteract the potentially damaging ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
BIOLOGY
Basics in biology
BioChemistry Basics
This Quiz will test your knowledge of the amino acids used in biological systems
Infant Development: Sleep
How much do you know about infant sleep? Test your knowledge with this quiz.
How Much Do You Know About Genetic Inheritance?
Most of us studied the basics of dominant and recessive genes at some point. However, genetics are much more complicated than this. How far beyond the basics does your knowledge go?
Basic Immunology Quiz
Intro to immuno quiz. Covers the basics of immunology and recognition of foreign substances by the body.