Seed Plants and Gymnosperms

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on seed plants and gymnosperms, focusing on their adaptations, life cycles, and notable species.

Pollen

The male gametophyte in seed plants responsible for sperm transfer.

Seeds

Structures that protect the embryo from desiccation and provide nourishment.

Gymnosperms

A group of seed plants that produces naked seeds, often in cones.

Heterospora

The condition of having two types of spores: microspores and megaspores.

Ovule

The structure within the ovulate cone that contains the egg and develops into a seed.

Sporopollenin

A tough, waterproof substance found in the outer coating of pollen grains.

Alteration of Generations

The life cycle pattern at which plants alternate between multicellular haploid and diploid phases.

Conifer

A type of gymnosperm that produces cones, commonly known for their needle-like leaves.

Desiccation

The process of drying out, which is a significant challenge for plant survival.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from male to female gametophyte, crucial for fertilization.

Life Cycle

The series of stages a plant goes through from germination to maturity and reproduction.

Micropyle

The opening in the integument of the ovule through which pollen enters.

Dioecious

A term describing plants that have separate male and female individuals.

Coastal Redwood

The tallest tree species on earth, native to California.

Giant Sequoia

The largest tree species by volume in the world, also native to California.

Bristlecone Pine

One of the oldest living tree species, known for its longevity.

Cycads

Ancient gymnosperms that resemble palm trees but are not flowering plants.