Angiosperms

Flowering plants

Vascular plants with protected seeds and fruits

Flowers

Specialized leaves for reproduction (sporophylls)

Flower organs

1) sepals

2) petals

3) stamens (male sporo)

4) carpel (female sporo)

Fruit

A mature ovary

Ovary wall thickens and becomes a pericarp with various adaptations for dispersal

3 Major trends in terrestrial plant evolution

1) an increasingly reduced dependence on water

2) enhanced dispersal of embryo (increasing protection of embryo)

3) enhanced access to resources, including light

Co-evolution of pollination

Flowers are adapted to transfer and receive pollen from animals

Co-evolution of plant-pollinator relationship has likely increased both plant and animal diversity

Co-evolution of plant dispersal

Co evolution of fruit traits and fruit eaters has also likely increased angiosperm diversity