ancestry/diversity of land plants

first clade

algae

land plant & algae features

• photosynthesis

• cellulose cell walls

• chlorophyll pigments

• common enzymes

• common sperm structure

• starch as carbon storage

land plant key adaptations

• alternation of generations

• sporopollenin

• gametangia

• embryos

• cuticle - coating of cell wall that prohibits water loss

  stomata - closable openings that regulate gas exchange/water loss

alternation of generations

• multicellular

• haploid & diploid stages

gametophytes

• haploid

• reproduce sexually

sporophytes

• diploid

• reproduce asexually

sporopollenin

resistant polymer that protects spores/pollen from drying/decaying

sporangia

produce & protect spores

gametangia

generate and protect land plant gametes

gametangia

encloses gametes and protects them

• antheridia - haploid, sperm

• archegonia - haploid, eggs