RH Wildcrafting & Sustainable Harvesting 3

Question 1

Which concept describes the minimum viable population size needed to maintain genetic diversity in a wild plant colony?

Accepted Answer

Effective population size

Answer

Effective population size refers to the number of individuals that contribute genetically to the next generation, and harvesting below this threshold threatens genetic diversity.

Question 2

Which harvesting time maximizes medicinal alkaloid concentration in most aerial (above-ground) herbs?

Accepted Answer

Early morning after dew has dried, just before or at peak flowering

Answer

Most aerial herbs have highest alkaloid and volatile oil content just before or at peak flowering, harvested in the morning after dew evaporates but before heat degrades volatiles.

Question 3

The United Plant Savers (UpS) 'At-Risk' list is best used by wildcrafters to:

Accepted Answer

Prioritize cultivation over wildcrafting for listed species

Answer

UpS At-Risk species should be cultivated rather than wildcrafted whenever possible to relieve pressure on vulnerable wild populations.

Question 4

When wildcrafting in a state park, a harvester's most important first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Contact the park authority to determine harvest rules and obtain any required permit

Answer

Many state parks prohibit or restrict plant harvest; contacting the park authority first prevents illegal collection and potential fines.

Question 5

Which characteristic makes a wild plant population more resilient to periodic harvesting pressure?

Accepted Answer

Annual life cycle with prolific seed set

Answer

Annuals with high seed output can recover population numbers quickly between harvest cycles compared to slow-growing perennials or clonal species.

(RH) Registered Herbalist Practice Test

(RH) Registered Herbalist Practice Test

RH Wildcrafting & Sustainable Harvesting 3