Growth Patterns

Learning intentions

I can explain that growth is an increase in mass I can state several ways as to how growth can be

measured (fresh weight, dry weight, height and increase in cell number.

I can recognise the growth pattern of different organisms. I can give explanation of reason for the shape of typical

growth patterns I can compare the differences between how plant and

animals grow

Success Criteria

By the end of the activity:

I can state that growth is an increase in mass I can state that growth can be measured by dry weight,

fresh weight, height or increase in cell number I can describe or draw the typical growth pattern of a

tree, human, insect and annual plant I can complete a table to compare and contrast where

and how plants and animals grow

What is growth?

Growth is an irreversible increase in mass of an organism (usually involves an increase in cell number).

Water content can vary a lot in an organism so we often use dry mass to measure growth.

Growth involves the uptake of chemicals and synthesis of new structures.

Growth can also be measured by height and cell number

How do animal and plants grow?

Plants and Animals use different mechanisms for growth.

In a developing animals growth occurs all over the body.

In plants growth occurs in regions in the root and shoot tip and in areas of the stem only

Annual Growth Rings

The Thickness of Annual Rings

The growing conditions of a year can be determined by Annual Ring Thickness.

Wide Ring – a year of mild temperatures, with plenty of sunshine and rainfall – good growing conditions.

Narrow Ring – cold weather, drought, or maybe disease / insect infestation – basically poor growing conditions

Regeneration in Plants

Regeneration is the process by which an organism replaces lost or damaged parts.

Flowering plants are good at regeneration

A piece of root or stem can regenerate a entire plant

Regeneration in Mammals

Mammals have limited regenerative powers.

Regeneration only really occurs in the

healing of wounds mending of broken bones replacement of blood after loss regeneration of damaged liver

Animals – Liver Regeneration

Greatest potential for regeneration Multiple functions so cells less differentiated Half a liver can regenerate to full size within 3

months

Animals – Skin regeneration

Includes skin, hair and nails

Power to regenerate decreases with age

Animals – Heart and Neuron regeneration

Incapable of regeneration All brain cells are developed at birth Many will increase in size and may also gain in

function Cells are dying all the time.

Limb Regeneration

A few animals are able to regenerate limbs

Newts Lizards Hydra

Hydra budding