25. Pollinator

Aah! Don't sting me! 

Definition: A pollinator is a biotic vector that transports pollen from the anther of a flower to the stigma and combines the male and female gametes. Pollinators complete the process of fertilization in the flowers.

What the specimen is: This specimen is a common garden variety bee. They are more formally called western honey bees or european honey bees. The scientific name for bees is Apis mellifera. 

Where we found it: This bee was found in Sarah's front yard, pollinating one of her flowers.

How it relates to pollinator: Most flowering plants require pollination from bees. These insects make excellent pollinators since most of their lives are spent collecting the pollen for the production of honey. Cross pollination is a valuable thing for not only decorative flowers, but critical in the production of edible crops.

24. Parenchyma cells

So many colors!

Definition: Parenchyma cells make up several structures in plants such as the stems, roots, and leaves. These cells have thin cell walls and large central vacuoles that can store water and other materials.

What the specimen is: These plants are a variation of bromeliad known as guzmania magnifica. There are many different types of bromeliads that range from houseplants like these to pineapples.

Where we found it: These bromeliads were found in the greenhouse at a nursery.

How it relates to parenchyma cells: Like all plants, these bromeliads have leaves and roots that are made up of parenchyma cells.

23. Dicot plant with flower and leaf

I see Sarah's shadow!

Definition: Dicot plants are flowering plants that have two cotyledons, or embryos inside the seed. These plants usually flower in parts of four or five.

What the specimen is: This is a hibiscus flower, but it is also known as rose mallow. It's scientific name is Hibiscus rosa sinensis.

Where we found it: This was found in a nursery. Sarah actually has one of these in her backyard but it isn't in bloom at the moment.

How it relates to dicot plant with a flower and leaf: Hibiscus is a dicotyledon because it's seeds have two embryos The hibiscus flowers also have five petals, a common characteristic of dicot plants.

22. Cellulose

It's like a flower made up of little flowers!

Definition: Cellulose is a carbohydrate inside the cell walls of plants. This compound is what makes the cell wall strong and rigid. It is also found in paper, wood and cotton fibers.

What the specimen is: This plant is a hydrangea. The scientific name for this plant is hydrangea macrophylla. 

Where we found it: This flower was found in a nursery, since it is a common decorative plant in gardens.

How it relates to cellulose: Like all plants, hydrangeas have thick cell walls that are made up of several organic compounds including cellulose.

21. Seed Dispersal

It looks like a big neko ear!

 Definition: Seed dispersal is the transport of seeds away from the parent plant. Since plants can't move the way animals do, they rely on other ways to spread their seeds.

What the specimen is: This plant is commonly known as "butterfly weed" since it attracts butterflies. The scientific name is asclepias tuberosa.

Where we found it: This was found in a local Japanese nursery. Sarah walked there this morning after yoga class.

How it relates to seed dispersal: When butterfly weed has reached maturity, it has seed pods that split open and reveal the seeds. Butterfly weed is unique because the ends of the seeds have white silky parts that allow their seeds float. This means during windy days the seeds can be dispersed through the air.

20. Lepidoptera

There's nothing like a pretty butterfly on
a cloudy day. 

Definition: Lepidoptera is an order, or category of classification, that includes organisms that have wings that are covered in scales in its adult form. This includes butterflies, skippers, and moths.

What the specimen is: This is a Western tiger swallowtail butterfly. The scientific name for this butterfly is papilio rutulus.

Where we found it: Sarah and I were looking at another exhibit at the LA Zoo, when a butterfly landed right in front of us. We thought this would be a good opportunity for a picture.

How it relates to lepidoptera: Butterflies, like most lepidoptera have two sets of wings. They are also covered in small scales that are different colors, allowing for lots of color combinations in butterflies. This is important because this enables them to use camouflage.

19. Population

So. Much. Pink!

Definition: A population is a group of all the organisms of the same species that live in a certain area, and have the capability of breeding with each other.

What the Specimen is: This is a flamingo. There are six types of flamingo, and these are called "Greater Flamingo". Greater flamingo are the most widespread out of the six groups, they live in parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle east. The scientific name for these birds is Phoenicopterus roseus. 

Where we found them: These flamingos are from the LA Zoo.

How it relates to population: This group of flamingos are kept in a large habitat at the LA Zoo. They are all the same species, and have the biological capability to mate with each other.