Question

Why is it difficult to clearly define vegetative, reproductive and senescent phages in perennial species?

Answer 1

Perennials live for many years . They are not like annuals/ biennials which complete their life cycle in one & two year respectively. They have different flowering periods like some flower after 50 years , some flower after every 12 years, so we cannot distinguish between the juvenile, reproductive and senescent phase in perennials.

Answer 2

ANSWER:

The lifespan of perennial plants is quite lengthy, lasting for many years. The definition and study of their vegetative, reproductive, and senescent stages thus become quite challenging.

Explanation:

• In their early growing phases, perennial plants do not bloom. They generate huge seeds, and following germination, they also produce larger seedlings. These plants don't have a distinct growth cycle; instead, the cycle occurs intermittently throughout their lives. Therefore, defining the vegetative and reproductive stages is challenging.
• The lifespan of perennial plants is quite lengthy, lasting for many years. The definition and study of their vegetative, reproductive, and senescent stages thus become quite challenging.
• Perennials have a long lifespan. They don't have a life cycle like annuals or biennials, which are finished in one and two years. We cannot differentiate between perennials' juvenile, reproductive, and senescent phases because of their variable flowering cycles, such as those that bloom after 50 years and others that bloom every 12 years.

Hence In perennial plant species, the vegetative, reproductive and senescent phases are difficult to define.