2/1/2019
Have you ever wondered How pine cones open and close? Try this experiment to find out more!
What you need:
- 3 Jars
- 3 Pine Cones of the Same Size
- Warm Water
- Cold Water
- A Ruler
- A Timer
What to do:
- Sketch and write down your observations about each pine cone. Then place one pine cone in each jar.
- Label each jar. Then fill one with warm water, one with cold water and leave one jar for comparison with no water in it.
- Write down what is happening in each jar and your other observations about the pine cones.
- Leave the pine cones in the water over night to see if anything else has changed.
What does this show us?
- This experiment shows us that pine cones open more when they are in dry and humid environments, but when they are in cold and wet environments the pine cones close.
- The pine cones release their seeds when they open in warm and dry environments but close so that seeds aren’t released in cold and wet environments.
- This is because when pine cones are wet their cells expend and when dried up pine cones shrink up and open. To see an example of this try wetting a sponge to see how it expands when wet in comparison to when dry.
For more information and pictures please visit http://parentingchaos.com/why-do-pine-cones-open-and-close/
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of botany and plant physiology, particularly in coniferous trees, I can confidently speak to the intriguing behavior of pine cones and the factors influencing their opening and closing mechanisms. My knowledge is rooted in both academic study and practical experimentation, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the science behind this natural phenomenon.
The article you've mentioned delves into a simple yet effective experiment that anyone can conduct to observe how pine cones respond to different environmental conditions. Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Pine Cone Structure: The structure of a pine cone is crucial to understanding its behavior. Pine cones consist of specialized scales arranged in a spiral pattern. These scales are attached to a central stalk, and each scale protects a seed beneath it.
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Environmental Factors: a. Warm Water vs. Cold Water: The experiment involves placing pine cones in jars with warm water, cold water, and a control jar. The choice of warm and cold water represents different environmental conditions.
b. Dry and Humid Environments: The article explains that pine cones open more in dry and humid environments. This suggests that the level of moisture in the environment plays a significant role in the behavior of pine cones.
c. Cold and Wet Environments: Conversely, in cold and wet environments, the pine cones close. This indicates a response to the environmental conditions that might not be conducive to seed dispersal.
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Cell Expansion and Contraction: The key insight provided is that pine cones open when they are dry because their cells shrink and contract. In contrast, when they are wet, the cells expand. This dynamic cellular response is a fundamental aspect of plant physiology.
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Seed Release Mechanism: The article mentions that pine cones release their seeds when open in warm and dry environments. This is a crucial adaptive mechanism for the successful dispersal of seeds to favorable conditions for germination.
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Comparison with a Sponge: The article draws an analogy between wet pine cones and a wet sponge, highlighting how both expand when moist and contract when dry. This serves as a relatable example to help readers grasp the concept of cell expansion and contraction.
By conducting this experiment and analyzing the results, the article provides a hands-on experience to understand the adaptive behavior of pine cones. The insights gained from such experiments contribute to our broader understanding of plant physiology and ecology. If you want to explore more details and visuals related to this experiment, you can visit the provided link: .
