Plant Diversity: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary from the lecture on plant diversity, focusing on the key concepts of gymnosperms and angiosperms.

Gymnosperms

Seed plants that bear 'naked' seeds typically on cones.

Angiosperms

Seed plants with flowers and fruits, the most widespread and diverse group.

Seed

A reproductive structure consisting of an embryo, nutrients, and a protective coat.

Heterospory

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

Ovule

Structure consisting of a megasporangium, megaspore, and protective integuments, which develops into a seed.

Pollen

The male gametophyte contained in pollen grains, facilitating reproduction in seed plants.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen to the ovules, a crucial step in seed plant reproduction.

Sporophyte

The diploid generation that produces spores in the plant life cycle.

Gametophyte

The haploid generation that produces gametes in the plant life cycle.

Microsporangia

Structures that produce microspores, which develop into male gametophytes.

Megasporangia

Structures that produce megaspores, which develop into female gametophytes.

Integument

The protective layer surrounding the ovule, which may have one or two layers.

Dormancy

The state in which seeds remain inactive until conditions favor germination.

Coniferophyta

The largest phylum of gymnosperms, known for cone-bearing trees like pines.

Cycadophyta

A phylum of gymnosperms that includes cycads, known for their large cones and palm-like leaves.

Ginkgophyta

A phylum consisting of a single living species, Ginkgo biloba, known for its air pollution tolerance.

Gnetophyta

A phylum of gymnosperms that includes three genera varying in habitat.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy using chlorophyll.

Fruit

A mature ovary that protects seeds and aids in their dispersal.

Flower

The reproductive structure of angiosperms specialized for sexual reproduction.

Sepal

The part of a flower that encloses and protects the developing flower.

Petal

Colored parts of a flower that attract pollinators.

Stamen

The male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of filament and anther.

Carpel

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of ovary, style, and stigma.

Endosperm

The tissue that provides nourishment to the developing embryo in seeds.

Medicinal compounds

Chemical substances derived from plants, often used in medicine.

Domestication of plants

The process of adapting wild plants for human use, allowing for agriculture.

Terrestrial ecosystems

Land-based ecological communities where organisms interact with their environment.

Seed dispersal

The process by which seeds are spread from the parent plant to develop in new locations.

Evolutionary advantages of seeds

Include dormancy, food supply, and transportation over long distances.

Microspores

Spores that develop into male gametophytes in seed plants.

Megaspores

Spores that develop into female gametophytes in seed plants.