Question

The timing of seasonal activity of plants in relation to change in environmental conditions is termed as?
(a) Biological clock
(b) Lapse rate
(C) Phenology
(d) Dendrochronology

Answer 1

Hint: Study of periodic seasonal and cyclical changes in living organisms, in plants it occurs as a response to the changes in environmental factors like temperature, pressure, availability of sunlight, rainfall, wind, and other factors.

Complete answer:
The timing of seasonal activity of plants with relation to variations in the environmental conditions is called phenology. It means the study of cyclical periodic plant and animal activities.
In plants, the timing of plant life-cycle events, such as budding, pollination, or appearance of leaves, roots, and shoots plays a vital role in the functioning of plant ecosystems.
Plant phenology is of major significance in both, vegetative and reproductive stages as it helps in recording all the information from the appearance of the first leaf to the appearance of the first flower, the pollination, fruiting, and seeding. All these aspects are inter-relatable and can be studied in detail through the phenological records.

Additional Information: -The biological clock controls the physiological activities of an organism which results in the development of the circadian rhythm in all living organisms.
-The lapse rate refers to the rate at which Earth's temperature undergoes a decrease as there is an increase in the altitude of the place.
-Phenology means the study of periodic events that take place in the biological life which are cyclical in nature and undergo seasonal and annual variations with climate as well as along changes in the habitat.
-Dendrochronology refers to counting the rings in the bark of the trees to the study of dating in order to make an estimate of the age of the tree.
So, the correct answer is 'Phenology'.

Note: Circadian rhythm corresponds to the rotation of the earth along its axis which divides the hours into day and night. The circadian rhythm in plants helps them to adapt to daily environmental challenges as well as make proper use of the energy so that they do not starve at night.