Seeing Similarities Between Plants and Animals Essays

Seeing Similarities Between Plants and Animals Essays Seeing Similarities Between Plants and Animals Essay Seeing Similarities Between Plants and Animals Essay Seeing Similarities Between Plants and Animals As you look around outside, you may see birds perched in trees, frogs croaking on lily pads, and even dogs digging in the grass. Our world is filled with plants and animals, yet when a person thinks of the phrase plants and animal, they automatically begin thinking about the differences between the two. As different as they may seem, plants and animals are very similar in the following areas: reproduction, human uses, and the requirement of water. Even though plants and animals can be distinguished from one another, evolution has bridged the gap between the two more than most people realize. All organisms need to reproduce for the continuation of their species, otherwise that species would die off. Both plants and animals reproduce and in the process create offspring. You will never see a plant with the same type of reproductive system as in an animal; however, plants do form their own versions of these organs called gametes. Two aspects of reproduction are the process of fertilization and birth. The process of fertilization is nothing more than the male and female sex cells combining. Two sperm cells are involved in the fertilization process with plants; one combines with the egg cell and the other becomes the seed. In the process of fertilization with animals, only one sperm fertilizes the female egg. Life for a new plant begins when it emerges from its seed. Part of the growth process occurs while still in the seed and the remainder occurs after birth. For example, do you remember when you were in elementary school, and had to place a bean seed in a plastic bag with water? After about a week, you were able to see roots sprout from the seed. This showed us how plants were born. Meanwhile, life for an animal begins when exiting the mothers womb or from an egg. In both cases, birth is experienced; however, with plants the process is called mitosis and with animals it is called meiosis. As can be seen, plants and animals have reproduction similarities. Humans have always found uses for plants and animals, chiefly in the areas of clothing and food. Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden wore grass skirts, eventually, and the cavemen from prehistoric times wore animal hides. Obviously, our uses for plants and animals have grown since the above mentioned times. Much of our clothing comes from plants. Cotton is the foremost fiber used to manufacture clothing. Whether it be the Levis, the Polo shirt, or your favorite Snuggie, it is made of cotton in some degree. A summary of the 2011 annual meeting of the National Cotton Council stated that the demand for cotton is so high that it is creating a challenge for the farmers of cotton to keep up. The absorbent fibers of cotton can withstand high temperatures, allowing the fibers to be combined with other plant and synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers are also produced from plants. Examples of synthetic fibers include the following: polyester, rayon, and nylon. Synthetic fibers can be produced very cheaply and in large amounts. They are strong, wrinkle-resistant, and glossy. No wonder the 70s were so popular! In the same fashion, animals have provided an important source of clothing for the human race. Whether it is the alligator shoes on your feet, the snake skin belt around your waist, or the rather heavy leather jacket on your back, they all are made from an animal. Buttons, fabric dyes, decorative items like mother of pearl and tortoise shell also come from animals. Some of the main foods that we obtain from plants include the following: corn, soy, rice, fruit, wheat, nuts, and oats. We also get herbs and spices for seasoning from plants. Can you imagine what your favorite dish would taste like if there were no such thing as seasoning? Humans seemingly consume every part of certain plants from the root to the fruit. Humans use animals mostly for the meat that they provide, such as chicken, beef, pork, fish, and lamb. Other animal meats that humans consume are deer, rabbit, wild boar, bison, frog, and goat. Some people even choose to indulge in bat meat. We also use the eggs and milk products that some animals produce. Have you ever wondered what a marshmallow is made out of? Animal gelatins are an ingredient in not only marshmallows, but also a whole range of foods like candy, mayonnaise, and ice cream. The clothing and food that humans create from plants and animals will continue to grow with time. By the same token, water is crucial for the growth and transportation of nutrients in all plants and animals. Plants and animals both need large quantities of water in a constant supply to aid in the growth process. Plants mostly use water during photosynthesis. Plants draw the water in from the soil and combine it with the carbon dioxide from the air. This is how they make their food. Water also helps the body of the plant to stand upright. If the plant does not have enough water, it will cause the plant to lose turgor pressure and it will begin to droop and eventually wilt. . Turgor pressure is the pressure of the water inside the plants body that helps it to maintain its shape. To put it in another way, what happens if your Ford Tauruss tires lose air? They lose their form because there is no air pressure within the tire. Its the same thing with turgor pressure in plants, except with water. In like manner, animals need water for growth, too. If an animal does not take in adequate amounts of water, it will begin to experience dehydration. This can be lethal to animals or lead to other serious health problems, such as weight loss, lack of energy, sunken eyes, or dry mucous membranes. Water also aids in the transportation of nutrients through the bodies of both plants and animals. In plants nutrients are drawn in from the soil through the roots, and travels up the plant through the xylem vessels, which move the water to the different parts of the plant. In animals, basically the same thing happens, except the water transports nutrients through organs. Man has come a long way in our understanding of the world around us; furthermore, evolution has brought closer together two elements of this world that the average person would easily overlook. Reproduction, human uses, and the requirement of water are all areas in which plants and animals share similarities. So think twice the next time you hear the phrase plants and animals because, as you have read, they are alike in more ways than most people realize.