Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

What is the function of a plant hardiness zone?

1. It indicates the climate suitability for planting particular species based on cold tolerance

2. It determines soil acidity levels

3. It measures sunlight exposure for plants

4. It tracks pest prevalence in an area

The correct answer is: It indicates the climate suitability for planting particular species based on cold tolerance

The function of a plant hardiness zone is primarily to indicate the climate suitability for planting particular species based on cold tolerance. Each hardiness zone corresponds to a specific range of average minimum temperatures which helps gardeners and landscapers understand which plants are likely to thrive in their local climate conditions. This information is vital for selecting plant species that will survive winter temperatures in a given area, thereby ensuring successful planting and growth. The other options relate to different aspects of gardening and horticulture but do not address the core purpose of a hardiness zone. Soil acidity levels are determined by pH testing and are important for plant health, but they are not indicated by hardiness zones. Sunlight exposure affects plant growth, but it is a distinct factor separate from cold tolerance. Similarly, pest prevalence is an important consideration for maintaining plant health, yet it does not relate to the hardiness zone classification system. Therefore, the focus on cold tolerance in the context of plant hardiness zones makes the correct answer clear.