plant bristles crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "plant bristles crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SETAE: A stiff, bristle-like hair or structure found on plants, often for protection or support.
SPINE: A sharp, pointed, rigid outgrowth on a plant, often serving as a defense mechanism.
7 Letters
BRISTLE: A short, stiff, coarse hair or filament found on some plants, serving various functions such as defense or aiding in water retention.
More About "plant bristles crossword clue"
Plant bristles, scientifically known as setae or trichomes, are fascinating structures that serve a variety of purposes in the plant kingdom. While they might appear simple, these tiny outgrowths can be crucial for a plant's survival and interaction with its environment. Their functions range from basic defense mechanisms, deterring herbivores from munching on leaves, to more complex roles like reducing water loss by trapping a layer of humid air around the plant's surface.
These bristle-like structures can vary significantly in shape, size, and rigidity, depending on the plant species. Some are soft and downy, giving leaves a fuzzy texture, while others are stiff and sharp, acting as formidable deterrents. For crossword solvers, recognizing common botanical terms like 'setae' or simply 'bristle' as answers to this clue is key. Understanding the context often helps in distinguishing between similar terms like 'spines' or 'thorns', which are modified stems or leaves rather than epidermal hairs.
Beyond defense and water conservation, some plant bristles play a role in seed dispersal, catching onto animal fur. Others, like those on carnivorous plants, are adapted to trap insects. This diversity highlights the evolutionary adaptability of plants and why such seemingly small features hold significant biological importance.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms and related terms: For clues like "plant bristles," think broadly about what "bristles" might imply in a botanical context (e.g., hairs, spines, prongs).
- Check letter count: Always cross-reference your potential answer with the number of letters provided for the solution in the puzzle grid. This is often the quickest way to narrow down options.
- Look at intersecting words: If you're stuck, try solving adjacent or intersecting clues first. The letters filled in from those answers can provide crucial hints for your current puzzle.
- Think about scientific terms: Crossword constructors often use scientific or more formal terms for natural phenomena. For plants, terms like 'setae' are quite common.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are plant bristles called in botany?
In botany, plant bristles are often referred to as setae, trichomes, or spines, depending on their specific structure and function. Setae are typically stiff, hair-like structures that are common epidermal outgrowths.
Why do some plants have bristles?
Plants develop bristles for various reasons, including defense against herbivores, reducing water loss (transpiration), aiding in seed dispersal by catching onto passing animals, or even trapping insects as seen in some carnivorous plants.
Are plant bristles the same as thorns or spines?
While often serving similar protective functions, bristles (like setae) are distinct from thorns (modified stems) and spines (modified leaves or stipules). Bristles are typically epidermal outgrowths, more hair-like in nature, whereas thorns and spines are more substantial modifications of plant organs.