Evolution and Ecological Effects of Plants

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the evolution and ecological effects of plants, including their structure and classification.

CO2 sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Bryophytes

A group of non-vascular plants that includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, which play a crucial role in ecosystems.

Carboniferous Period

A geological period from 354 to 290 million years ago, known for the formation of coal and extensive forests.

Angiosperms

Flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit, significant for their evolutionary advances.

K/T event

The mass extinction event that occurred approximately 66 million years ago, marking the transition between the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods.

Lycophylls

Leaf types that are simple, unbranched leaves typically found in early vascular plants like lycopods.

Euphylls

Complex leaves that have a branched vascular system, characteristic of more advanced plants.

Heterospory

The production of two distinct types of spores: microspores and megaspores.

Microspores

Spores that develop into male gametophytes (pollen).

Ovule

Structure in seed plants that develops into a seed upon fertilization.

Integuments

Layers of tissue that surround and protect the ovule in seed plants.

Gymnosperms

Non-flowering seed plants that produce seeds exposed on cones.

Phylogenetic tree

A branching diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in genetic characteristics.