Major Lineages and Evolution of Land Plants

Bryophytes

Mosses and liverworts, non-vascular, spore-bearing plants.

Ferns & relatives

Vascular, spore-bearing plants.

Gymnosperms

Naked seed coniferous seed plants.

Angiosperms

Vesseled seed flowering plants with fruits.

Control of water loss

A challenge for plants transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial environments.

Allowance of gas exchange

A challenge for plants transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial environments.

Ability to grow taller

A challenge for plants transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial environments.

Protection and nourishment of embryos

A challenge for plants transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial environments.

Facilitation of reproduction and dispersal

A challenge for plants transitioning from aquatic to terrestrial environments.

Waxy cuticle

Prevents water loss from leaf surface.

Stomata

Regulates gas exchange and water loss.

Vascular tissue

Allows for water transport and growth in height.

Lignin

Provides structural support and protection.

Pollen

Protects reproductive elements from water loss.

Seeds

Provides nutrition and protection to embryos.

Flowers

Increases reproductive efficiency.

Fruits

Increases seed dispersal efficiency.

Alternation of generations

A type of reproduction in which two distinct phases, or generations, exist: the diploid sporophyte and the haploid gametophyte.

Bryophytes (Dominant Generation)

Gametophyte.

Ferns, Gymnosperms (Dominant Generation)

Sporophyte.

Angiosperms (Dominant Generation)

Sporophyte.

Photosynthesis

Base of food webs.

Oxygen generation

Carbon dioxide sink.

Habitat structure

Biomes defined climatically and floristically.

Soil enrichment and stabilization

Decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Water cycling and climate moderation

Regulation of water and climate patterns.