Lecture on Bryophytes and Land Plant Evolution

These flashcards cover key concepts related to bryophytes, their evolution, reproduction, and ecological needs based on the lecture notes.

What are bryophytes?

Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that are among the first land plants to evolve from green algae.

When did the first land plants evolve?

The first land plants evolved from green algae approximately 400 million years ago.

What key adaptations do land plants have to prevent desiccation?

Land plants have a cuticle on leaves, stomata to limit evaporation, and sporopollenin surrounding their spores.

Describe the reproduction process in liverworts.

Liverworts undergo alternation of generations, with a diploid sporophyte that produces haploid spores and a haploid gametophyte that produces gametes.

What are gametangia in mosses, liverworts, and hornworts?

Gametangia are structures that produce motile sperm and non-motile eggs for reproduction.

How do sporophytes in mosses reproduce?

Sporophytes undergo meiosis to produce haploid spores in a capsule.

What distinguishes the life cycle of bryophytes from other plants?

In bryophytes, the haploid gametophyte is the dominant life stage, unlike in other plants where the diploid sporophyte is dominant.

What are the ecological requirements of bryophytes?

Bryophytes generally require moist habitats as they are susceptible to drying out and have limited systems for water transport.

How do some mosses adapt to dry conditions?

Some mosses become inactive during dry conditions and can tolerate high and low temperatures.

What environments do liverworts prefer?

Liverworts favor humid environments, particularly tropical regions, and they prefer shade to avoid desiccation.