Cyperus papyrus: From the Nile to Modern Times
Cyperus papyrus, commonly called papyrus or paper plant, is a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is a monocot that is native to riverbanks and other wet soil areas in Egypt, Ethiopia, the Jordan River Valley, and other parts of the Mediterranean basin (1).
Few members of the sedge family hold economic importance as crop plants, but throughout the world these plants hold great regional importance in weaving mats, baskets, screens, and even sandals (3). Though not normally grown for crops sedges do hold economic importance to agriculture. A substantial amount of sedges are noxious weeds, invading crop fields in all climates of the world. These include species that invade rice paddies, grazing pastures, as well as others (3.) Sedges do however have a considerable amount of ecological importance. They are of extreme importance to primary production as well as an integral part of the hydrologic cycle (3.) C. papyrus is an aquatic plant that has woody, bluntly triangular stems and grows up to about 15 feet in quietly flowing water up to three feet deep and the stem can grow up to six centimeters in width near the top (4). While the bottom portion of the stem can be up to six inches in width (7). The stem has scattered vascular bundles and no inner pith, like other typical monocots. The stem is composed of cellulose (54-68%) and lignin (24-32%), this helps to provide support for the stem and subsequently helps maintain the plant structure. There are also air ducts in the stem to help the plant stay buoyant; this is an important adaptation since C. papyrus grows in wet conditions (1). The roots, which are rhizomes, spread over the water, forming floating mat. These mats can sometimes break apart allowing the plant to colonize new areas in rivers and lakes. This can sometimes cause problems for shipping vessel (1).
The leaves of the paper plant are long and sharp-keeled and have parallel veination (7). The leaves also have an epidermis with no 'long' and 'short' cell differentiation. The leaves usually have silica bodies and stomata are present (6.) The leaves are arranged in umbels, or tufts, on the end of tall, leafless stems (1).
The economic contributions of C. papyrus may not be evident to moderns, but its importance to some ancient civilizations is tremendous. The ancient Egyptians were using papyrus to make paper more than five thousand years ago to make the first paper (1.
Two members of the group were instructed to visit the laboratory each day of the experiment to water and measure the plants (Handout 1). The measurements that were preformed were to be precise and accurate by the group by organizing a standardized way to measure the plants. The plants were measured from the level of the soil, which was flat throughout all the cups, to the tip of the apical meristems. The leaves were not considered. The watering of the plants took place nearly everyday, except for the times the lab was closed. Respective of cup label, the appropriate drop of solution was added to the plant, at the very tip of the apical meristems.
Many variations and species of plants can be found all around the world and in different habitats. These variations and characteristics are due to their adaptations to the natural habitat surrounding them. In three of many climatic zones, the arid, tropical and temperate zone, plants that vary greatly from each other are found in these locations. In this experiment, we’ll be observing the connection between the adaptations of the plants to their environment at the Fullerton Arboretum. The arboretum is a space containing numerous plants from different environments. The plants are carefully looked after and organized into their specific habitat. Therefore, we’ll be able to take a look at the plants within multiple
The Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub have a variety of different plant species, from Torrey Pine to Cacti. They each contain some helpful adaptations that have resulted from directional selection over many years. Many of the plants within the Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub have small leaves. This is advantageous because the smaller surface area prevents excess water loss. The stomata in turn are often closed during the day to maximize energy. Waxy coating is also for halting water loss. Another adaption is having leaves with dark colored tops and lighter undersides. Plants absorb red and blue light for photosynthesis and reflect green light, causing their green color. Since many chaparral leaves are green, more heat is deflected. The main goal for these adaptations is to conserve water during the day and to stop all energy expenditure. All of these adaptations are also attributed to the dry and fire-prone environment.
Dandelions, known to the botanist as Taraxacum officinale, are classified in the Composite (Compositae) family of flowering plants. The genus name, Taraxacum is derived from the Persian word for "bitter herb," (Myer, 1994). Accompanying the golden ruse of the dandelion are the daisies, aster, sunflowers, goldenrod, Joe Pye weed and many other wildflowers.
The paper birch tree is part of the birch plantae. They are most common in north america. They are known for their distinctive bark.It is also easy to identify do to its bark. The bark has a really thin layer that peels off in long strips that look like paper. Its bark has inspired some really famous painters in some of their work."Nature WalkBirch."NatureWalkBirch.N.p.,n.d.Web.29Apr. 2014.)The Timber Wolf sharpen its claws on the tree and the claw marks spill out sap and the sap feeds some of the bugs in the forest.
The plant life consist of big coniferous trees, mosses, lichens, and special flowers called the Indian Paintbrush. Other trees that are very common consist of the
After the United States developed the atomic at the end of World War II, interest in nuclear technology increased exponentially. People soon realized that nuclear technology could be used for electricity, as another alternative to fossil fuels. Today, nuclear power has its place in the world, but there is still a lot of controversy over the use of nuclear energy. Things such as the containment of radiation and few nuclear power plant accidents have given nuclear power a bad image. However, nuclear power is a reliable source of energy because it has no carbon emissions, energy is available at any time, little fuel is needed for a lot of energy, and as time goes on, it is becoming safer and safer.
On and off, could it be that simple? Energy is there whenever we need it, so we think. It’s not as simple as turning the light switch, replacing light bulbs, and paying the electric bills. Our energy today is made mostly from coal, natural gas, oil, wind, solar, and nuclear. With depleting natural resources, we must begin to consider what will power our future. Although there are many challenges yet to be encountered and technology yet to be discovered, many say nuclear energy is becoming a major part of our future. However, nuclear meltdowns and disasters have many people and scientists questioning the possibility of having a nuclear powered world. What are the concerns and positive aspects of nuclear energy today? Could nuclear energy become a part of our future energy source?
One could very well conclude that the Egyptians of the northern kingdom were critical thinkers in order to discover this intricate technique that forever left a lasting impact on mankind and his ability to pass on knowledge for future generations. We would later discover just how much the papyrus plant was important to later Egyptian creations during the unification, such as the creation of the Mdw-Ntr (Hieroglyphic) writing system—imagine having a writing system with nothing practical in everyday life to write on. Although stones were carved into, the papyrus plant would have made it easier for scribes to pass on more information at a time.
Nuclear power is the generation of electricity from an atomic reaction. (World Statistics: Nuclear Energy Around the World n.d.) Though it produces zero carbon emissions there has been a decline in support for nuclear power and increased its support for alternative energies in the pursuit for a fossil free energy sector. Factors that have resulted in the reduction of support for nuclear energy include nuclear accidents and waste and the positives of renewable energy which include clean energy, sustainable and reduced health and environmental risks.
Even though the consequences of nuclear energy are known by the public, not all people in the society oppose the future development of nuclear energy. Nuclear power is still a safe and clean source of energy...
The Nile played an important role in the life of the ancient Egyptians. It makes life in the deserts of Egypt possible. It provided drinking water, a source of irrigation for crops, and most importantly the fertile soil used to grow crops. Without the Nile River it would have been difficult for Egyptian civilizations to survive. The Nile provided the crucial resources needed by a growing civilization. It caused all the ancient Egyptian communities to develop alongside the river. It also created a way of transportation of goods and people. This caused the development of boats and other water traveling methods.
Nuclear power, although relatively new, is one of the most productive major sources of energy. It has been readily embraced by France, Russia, the United States,and initially Japan, four of the world’s leading nations. Of course, as with every energy source, there are some drawbacks, the bulk of which have to do with safety concerns. For this reason, this particular source faces enormous opposition. Yet, the negatives are so heavily outweighed by the positives (i.e. high economic efficiency and low environmental impact), that they do not in any way draw from the fact that nuclear energy should definitely continue to be used, and more so.
Nuclear power, the use of exothermic nuclear processes to produce an enormous amount of electricity and heat for domestic, medical, military and industrial purposes i.e. “By the end of 2012 2346.3 kilowatt hours (KWh) of electricity was generated by nuclear reactors around the world” (International atomic energy agency Vienna, 2013, p.13). However, with that been said it is evident that the process of generating electricity from a nuclear reactor has numerous health and environmental safety issues.
The Nile, is the longest river in the world, and is located in northeastern Africa. Its principal source is Lake Victoria, in east central Africa. The Nile flows north through Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea, with a total distance of 5584 km. From its remotest headstream in Burundi, the river is 6671 km long. The river basin covers an area of more than 3,349,000 sq km. Not only is the Nile considered a wonder by Herodotus, but by people all over the world, due to its impotance to the growth of a civilization.The first great African civilization developed in the northern Nile Valley in about 5000 BC.