- What is the common nickname for plants in the genus Rhipsalis?
A: Cacao cactus
B: Mistletoe cactus
C: Ghost cactus
D: Night-blooming cactus
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis is commonly known as mistletoe cacti due to their resemblance to the mistletoe plant. - Which of the following continents does Rhipsalis naturally occur in?
A: Europe
B: North America
C: Africa
D: Australia
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis is the only cactus genus naturally found in the Old World, including parts of Africa and Asia. - What type of plants does Rhipsalis most often grow as?
A: Parasites
B: Epiphytes
C: Aquatic plants
D: Desert shrubs
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis are epiphytic plants, meaning they grow on other plants without harming them. - From which Ancient Greek term is the name “Rhipsalis” derived?
A: Hylē (forest)
B: Rhips (wickerwork)
C: Anthos (flower)
D: Kaktos (cactus)
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The name “Rhipsalis” comes from the Ancient Greek term “rhips,” meaning wickerwork, referring to the plant’s morphology. - In which order are Rhipsalis plants classified?
A: Rosales
B: Caryophyllales
C: Sapindales
D: Fabales
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis belongs to the order Caryophyllales. - Which species of Rhipsalis is noted for having red flowers?
A: Rhipsalis dissimilis
B: Rhipsalis hoelleri
C: Rhipsalis cereuscula
D: Rhipsalis baccifera
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis hoelleri is the only species within the genus that bears red flowers. - What kind of berry colors can be found in Rhipsalis fruits?
A: Blue and purple
B: White, pink, red, or yellow
C: Green and orange
D: Black and brown
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The fruits of Rhipsalis are berries which can be whitish, pink, red, or yellow. - Who first described the genus Rhipsalis in 1788?
A: Charles Darwin
B: Joseph Gaertner
C: Carl Linnaeus
D: Gregor Mendel
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Joseph Gaertner first described the genus Rhipsalis in 1788. - What significant mistake did Joseph Gaertner make when classifying Rhipsalis?
A: He thought it was a type of mushroom.
B: He believed it was a species of fern.
C: He classified it as a parasitic laurel.
D: He thought it was an aquatic plant.
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Gaertner thought he had found a new species of Cassytha, a parasitic laurel, rather than a cactus. - As of January 2023, how many subgenera did molecular studies confirm within Rhipsalis?
A: Two
B: Three
C: Four
D: Five
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Molecular studies in 2011 led to a new subgeneric classification with three monophyletic subgenera. - Which subgenus does Rhipsalis dissimilis belong to?
A: Phyllarthrorhipsalis
B: Epallagogonium
C: Calamorhipsalis
D: Erythrorhipsalis
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis dissimilis belongs to the subgenus Calamorhipsalis. - Where is the center of diversity for Rhipsalis?
A: The Amazon Rainforest
B: The Mata Atlantica in southeastern Brazil
C: The Sahara Desert
D: The Andes Mountains
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The center of diversity for Rhipsalis is in the rainforests of the Mata Atlantica in southeastern Brazil. - What unique characteristic does Rhipsalis pilocarpa have?
A: It grows underground.
B: It has bristles on stems and fruits.
C: It produces blue flowers.
D: It photosynthesizes at night.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis pilocarpa is unique for having stems and fruits densely covered by bristles. - Which species is included in the subgenus Epallagogonium?
A: Rhipsalis cereuscula
B: Rhipsalis pacheco-leonis
C: Rhipsalis pentaptera
D: Rhipsalis floccosa
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rhipsalis cereuscula falls under the subgenus Epallagogonium. - Which Rhipsalis species is known for vivipary (germination of seeds within the fruit)?
A: Rhipsalis agudoensis
B: Rhipsalis baccifera
C: Rhipsalis ormindoi
D: Rhipsalis grandiflora
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vivipary has been observed in Rhipsalis baccifera. - In which habitats is Rhipsalis primarily found?
A: Deserts only
B: Tropical rainforests
C: Sand dunes
D: Alpine regions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis is primarily found as pendulous epiphytes in tropical rainforests. - Which academic publication accepted 35 species and five subgenera of Rhipsalis?
A: The New Encyclopedia of Plants
B: The Plant Atlas
C: The New Cactus Lexicon
D: The Desert Plant Guide
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The New Cactus Lexicon accepted 35 species and five subgenera of Rhipsalis. - Which Rhipsalis species has been studied for its molecular genetics in 2011?
A: Rhipsalis micrantha
B: Rhipsalis crispata
C: Rhipsalis pilocarpa
D: Rhipsalis neves-armondii
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rhipsalis micrantha has been observed for its molecular genetics. - What color are typical Rhipsalis flowers?
A: Blue or violet
B: White or whitish
C: Green or yellow
D: Black or brown
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Most Rhipsalis species have small flowers that are white or whitish in color. - How does Rhipsalis typically reproduce?
A: Through spores
B: By fragmentation
C: Seed-based reproduction with berries
D: Via underground runners
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis reproduces through seed-based reproduction, with its fruits being berries. - Which fruit type is always produced by Rhipsalis plants?
A: Capsules
B: Nuts
C: Berries
D: Drupes
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The fruits of Rhipsalis are always berries. - Rhipsalis is most closely related to which type of plant structure?
A: Trees
B: Grasses
C: Vines
D: Succulents
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Rhipsalis consists of succulent plants with varying degrees of succulence. - Which researcher is connected with a new subgeneric classification of Rhipsalis published in 2012?
A: Charles Darwin
B: Carl Linnaeus
C: Rita Calvente
D: Gregor Mendel
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rita Calvente is associated with the 2012 subgeneric classification. - In which subgenus is Rhipsalis cereuscula classified?
A: Calamorhipsalis
B: Epallagogonium
C: Erythrorhipsalis
D: Phyllarthrorhipsalis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis cereuscula falls under Epallagogonium. - What aspect of Rhipsalis morphology is referenced by its name derived from the term “wickerwork”?
A: Its flower shape
B: Its leaf color
C: Its stem structure
D: Its root system
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The name references the wickerwork-like structure of the stems. - Which type of climate is Rhipsalis not native to?
A: Tropical
B: Arid deserts
C: Temperate forests
D: Alpine
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Rhipsalis is not native to alpine climates. - Which of the following is not a habitat type for some species of Rhipsalis?
A: Epilithic (growing on rocks)
B: Terrestrial (ground-dwelling)
C: Aquatic (in water bodies)
D: Epiphytic (on other plants)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis does not grow in aquatic habitats. - In addition to tropical America, where else can Rhipsalis be naturally found?
A: Europe
B: Australia
C: Madagascar
D: Antarctica
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Besides tropical America, Rhipsalis can be found in Madagascar and some parts of Africa and Asia. - How many subgenera of monophyletic groups were proposed for Rhipsalis in the revised classification?
A: One
B: Two
C: Three
D: Four
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: A new classification proposed three subgenera of monophyletic groups for Rhipsalis. - Which subgenus of Rhipsalis includes Rhipsalis neves-armondii?
A: Erythrorhipsalis
B: Calamorhipsalis
C: Phyllarthrorhipsalis
D: Rhipsalis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis neves-armondii belongs to the subgenus Calamorhipsalis. - What year was the genus Rhipsalis first described?
A: 1765
B: 1788
C: 1801
D: 1825
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Joseph Gaertner first described the genus Rhipsalis in 1788. - Which Rhipsalis species has the smallest diameter flowers, about 1 cm?
A: Rhipsalis dissimilis
B: Rhipsalis cereuscula
C: Rhipsalis pilocarpa
D: Rhipsalis hoelleri
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Most species of Rhipsalis, including R. cereuscula, have flowers around 1 cm in diameter. - What is the tribe of Rhipsalis within the cactus family?
A: Notocacteae
B: Cacteae
C: Rhipsalideae
D: Hylocereeae
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis belongs to the tribe Rhipsalideae within the cactus family. - Which characteristic is common among the majority of Rhipsalis species’ juvenile stages?
A: Presence of spines
B: Flowering
C: Developing fruits
D: Leaf production
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Spines usually appear only in the juvenile stages in most Rhipsalis species. - Which species of Rhipsalis has fruits covered with bristles, making it unique?
A: Rhipsalis cereuscula
B: Rhipsalis pilocarpa
C: Rhipsalis baccifera
D: Rhipsalis micrantha
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis pilocarpa has fruits densely covered with bristles. - Who proposed the molecular study in 2011 that dealt with Rhipsalis classification?
A: Joseph Hooker
B: Gregor Mendel
C: Carl Linnaeus
D: Rita Calvente
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Rita Calvente was involved in the 2011 molecular study that dealt with Rhipsalis classification. - What type of ecological role do epiphytic plants such as Rhipsalis play?
A: Primary consumers
B: Parasites
C: Supporters of plant diversity
D: Soil enhancers
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Epiphytic plants like Rhipsalis increase plant diversity and provide habitats for other organisms. - Which region is not a natural habitat for Rhipsalis?
A: Central America
B: Northern Europe
C: Caribbean
D: Southeast Brazil
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis is not found in northern Europe. - The morphology of Rhipsalis is generally:
A: Uniform
B: Highly variable
C: Triangular
D: Consistent with desert cacti
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis exhibits highly variable morphology among different species. - What kind of growth patterns can be observed among Rhipsalis plants?
A: Upright and sprawling
B: Forward and backward growth
C: Coiling around other plants
D: Underground extensions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rhipsalis plants mostly grow pendent, while some can grow upright or sprawling. - What is the distribution range for Rhipsalis dissimilis?
A: China and India
B: Brazil (Paraná, São Paulo)
C: Mexico and California
D: Australia and New Zealand
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis dissimilis is found in Brazil, specifically in the states of Paraná and São Paulo. - Why are some species of Rhipsalis notable for having no spines?
A: They have evolved to avoid herbivores.
B: They only display spines in juvenile stages.
C: They live exclusively underwater.
D: They are genetically modified plants.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Many Rhipsalis species exhibit spines only during their juvenile stage. - In the proposed classification, which subgenus does Rhipsalis baccifera belong to?
A: Calamorhipsalis
B: Erythrorhipsalis
C: Phyllarthrorhipsalis
D: Rhipsalis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Rhipsalis baccifera is classified under the subgenus Rhipsalis. - Which of the following species are found in Rhipsalis subgenus Calamorhipsalis?
A: Rhipsalis cereuscula
B: Rhipsalis dissimilis
C: Rhipsalis baccifera
D: Rhipsalis grandiflora
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis dissimilis belongs to the subgenus Calamorhipsalis. - Rhipsalis cereuscula typically has what kind of flowers?
A: Large and bright colored
B: Small and white
C: Blue and tubular
D: Yellow and fragrant
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis cereuscula has small, white flowers, typical of many Rhipsalis species. - What is the life form of Rhipsalis that lives on rocks, sometimes found in the wild?
A: Epilithic
B: Aquatic
C: Parasitic
D: Mangrove
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Some species of Rhipsalis can also grow epilithic, meaning they live on rocks. - What is the primary way Rhipsalis stems differ among species?
A: Color
B: Shape (terete, angular, or flattened)
C: Smell
D: Edibility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis stems can be terete, angular, or flattened, varying between species. - Which subgenus of Rhipsalis includes species like Rhipsalis burchellii?
A: Erythrorhipsalis
B: Epallagogonium
C: Phyllarthrorhipsalis
D: Rhipsalis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Rhipsalis burchellii is included in the subgenus Erythrorhipsalis. - Which country does not have native Rhipsalis species?
A: Argentina
B: Paraguay
C: Canada
D: Peru
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis species are not native to Canada. - Who did the 2011 molecular study reveal about subgenera Rhipsalis, Calamorhipsalis, and Epallagogonium?
A: They belong to different plant families
B: They are paraphyletic
C: They contain no viable species
D: They can grow in saltwater
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The 2011 study revealed that subgenera Rhipsalis, Calamorhipsalis, and Epallagogonium are paraphyletic. - What proportion of Rhipsalis species can go through their entire life cycle without spines?
A: Majority
B: Minority
C: None
D: All
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The majority of Rhipsalis species have no spines or only have spines in the juvenile stage. - Which specific morphology does Rhipsalis trigona exhibit?
A: Wickerwork-like structure
B: Terete stems
C: Large yellow flowers
D: Blue berries
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis trigona is recognized for having terete stems. - Which of the following is a subgenus of Rhipsalis proposed in the new classification?
A: Epallagogonium
B: Erythrorhipsalis
C: Rhipsalidopsis
D: Cactiformia
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Erythrorhipsalis is one of the three subgenera proposed in the new classification. - Rhipsalis crispata has a natural distribution in which country?
A: Costa Rica
B: Bolivia
C: Brazil
D: Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis crispata naturally occurs in Brazil. - Which Rhipsalis species is not native to tropical Africa?
A: Rhipsalis baccifera
B: Rhipsalis cereuscula
C: Rhipsalis hylaea
D: Rhipsalis juengeri
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis cereuscula is not found in tropical Africa but is native to South America. - What part of the Rhipsalis plants is succulent?
A: Flowers
B: Leaves
C: Stems
D: Roots
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis plants have succulent stems. - Which Rhipsalis species is found in both tropical America and the Old World?
A: Rhipsalis sulcata
B: Rhipsalis mesembryanthemoides
C: Rhipsalis baccifera
D: Rhipsalis pachyptera
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Rhipsalis baccifera is found in both regions, including tropical Africa and islands in the Indian Ocean. - Where can Rhipsalis pentaptera be naturally found?
A: Asia
B: Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)
C: Australia
D: South Africa
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rhipsalis pentaptera is found in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. - What do most Rhipsalis flowers have in common regarding their structure?
A: Bilateral symmetry
B: Actinomorphic (radial symmetry)
C: Tubular shape
D: Poisonous petals
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Most Rhipsalis flowers are actinomorphic, meaning they have radial symmetry. - During which stage of the life cycle is vivipary observed in some Rhipsalis species?
A: Seedling
B: Fruiting
C: Pollination
D: Dormancy
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Vivipary