Life Sciences 11: Kingdom Plantae - The Gymnosperms

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Gymnosperms, including their evolution, adaptations, and reproductive processes.

What are the three major groups of seeded plants mentioned in the lecture?

Bryophytes, pteridophytes, and gymnosperms.

What significant geological event occurred during the Mesozoic era that affected plant evolution?

The formation of the super continent Pangaea.

What are the three significant advances for plants during the evolution of seeded vascular plants?

1. Gametophyte reduced and dependent upon sporophyte, 2. Asexual spores evolved into sexual pollen, 3. Development of seeds.

Which group of plants were dominant during the Mesozoic era?

Gymnosperms, particularly ginkgo and cycads.

What adaptation do conifers have that allows them to thrive in dry continental interiors?

Deep roots, modifications of leaves into needles, and the production of resins.

What is unique about gymnosperms' seeds?

They are 'naked seeds' without fruit.

How do pollen grains eliminate the need for water in the fertilization process?

Pollen is dispersed by wind and animals, allowing fertilization to occur without water.

What happens to the zygote after fertilization in gymnosperms?

It develops into a new sporophyte plant encased within a seed.

What is the significance of the male cone in gymnosperms?

It produces pollen grains through meiosis and is typically short-lived.

Describe the lifecycle of gymnosperms post-pollination.

Pollen grains reach female cones, fertilization occurs, leading to a diploid zygote which develops into a sporophyte, encased in a seed that germinates under favorable conditions.