Plant Reproduction

Flashcards covering key concepts related to plant reproduction, including structures involved in life cycles and mechanisms of reproduction.

What are the two multicellular generations in plants specialized for?

One is specialized for fertilization and the other for dispersal.

How do seed plants facilitate fertilization in dry conditions?

Seed plants produce pollen that allows them to unite gametes even when the land surface is dry.

What do angiosperms produce that enhances pollination and seed dispersal?

Angiosperms produce flowers and fruits.

What is the significance of sporangium in the life cycle of plants?

The sporangium enhances the ability of plants to disperse on land by releasing spores.

What is a major evolutionary trend observed in land plants?

A decrease in the size and independence of the gametophyte generation and an increase in the prominence of the sporophyte generation.

What type of environments do some land plants require for sperm to swim during fertilization?

Some land plants need moist environments.

What is apomixis in plant reproduction?

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction where an embryo can form directly from a diploid sporophyte, as seen in dandelions.

How do plants commonly reproduce asexually?

Many plants reproduce asexually through vegetative reproduction, which involves growing to a new location before producing a new plant.

Why do seeds exhibit dormancy?

Dormancy allows them to delay germination until environmental conditions are favorable.

What is the function of fruits in the life cycle of angiosperms?

Fruits protect immature seeds and enhance their dispersal once mature.