Gymnosperms and pollination biology

How many genera of conifers exist worldwide?

Between 53 and 67

Name the only living species in the Ginkgo genus.

Ginkgo biloba

What are three gymnosperm genera that produce seeds but not flowers?

Ephedra, Gnetum, and Welwitschia.

What gymnosperm produces seeds known as “pine nuts”?

Pinus pinea (Stone pine)

Which conifer is known for being used as Syracuse’s downtown Christmas tree?

Picea abies (Norway spruce)

Name a North American gymnosperm that is highly prized for timber.

Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas-fir)

What evolutionary advantages do flowers provide to plants?

They attract pollinators

What is the closest extant relative of the first flowering plants?

Amborella trichopoda

Define "buzz pollination."

A method where pollinators like bees, vibrate flowers to release pollen.

How did flowering plants survive the mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs?

By rapidly evolving and filling ecological niches left by extinct species

What is the common name of Pinus pinea?

Stone pine — produces edible seeds known as “pine nuts”

What is the scientific name of the Stone pine?

Pinus pinea

What is the common name of Picea abies?

Norway spruce — often used as a Christmas tree (e.g. in Syracuse’s downtown).

What is the scientific name of the Norway spruce?

Picea abies

What is the common name of Pseudotsuga menziesii?

Douglas-fir — a North American gymnosperm prized for timber

What is the scientific name of the Douglas-fir?

Pseudotsuga menziesii

What is the common name of Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo (or Maidenhair tree) — the only living species in the Ginkgo genus

What is the scientific name of the Ginkgo (Maidenhair tree)?

Ginkgo biloba