Kingdom Plantae

What are the features of mosses?

Possess rhizoids (filaments of cells) for anchorage

Absence of cuticle (except in spore-producing capsule) and stomata

A sense of vascular tissue

Spores are single-celled haploid reproductive structures

Benefits and restrictions of possessing rhizoids

Can colonise bare rock surfaces so are often pioneer plants

Distribution is limited to areas with water and ions close to the surface since rhizoids do not penetrate soils deeply

Benefits and restrictions of cuticle and stomata abscess

Water and ions are obtained directly from the damp environment scores the cell walls of all tissues

Restricted to moist habitats (can survive periods of dormancy in a dry state)

Benefits and restrictions of vascular tissue absense

Since water and ions are absorbed by all cells, specialised conduction tissue is not essential

Are only a few cm in height support is by turgor in the cells of the moss

Benefits and restrictions of spores being single called haploid reproductive structure

Dispersal of moss - spores possess a tough wall, enabling them to disperse in air without drying out

Spores germinate in moist conditions only

What is a rhizome stem?

Horizontal underground stem

Why are ferns only 1m high?

As it has a rhizome step that is not upright

How do ferns greatly reduce transpirational water loss?

Fronds (leaves) possess a waterproof cuticle and stomata

Why do ferns roots penetrate the soil?

To anchor them and absorb water and ions

Why is vascular tissue present in ferns?

Xylem to conduct water and ions from roots

Phloem to distribute photosynthetic products from leaves

How is additional support apart from turgor produced for ferns?

By lignified xylem cells in vascular tissue

How do fern leaves have a huge reproductive capacity?

Leaves possess numerous spore - producing bodies

Spores - disperse species - touch outer wall - require water for germination

What are the differences between ferns mosses and plants?

Fern and moss disperse via pores

Plants produce seeds

Why do flowering plants posses vascular tissue?

Xylem vessels for effective conduction of water and ions and I'm some extra xylem is laid down annually to from wood

What do flowering plants leaves contain?

Covered in waxy cuticle and possess stoma

Dry habitats = xerophytes adapted by having rolled leaves and sunken stomata

Why do seeds have a better advantage than spores as dispersal agents?

As they contain a food store for germination of seedlings and tougher coat that is better to withstand desiccation

Why are flowering plants more dominant?

Because some are able to produce extra xylem so that leaves are carried high into canopy

Dry habitats have xerophytic adaptions