Chapter 16: Bryophytes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the chapter on Bryophytes based on the provided transcript.

Bryophytes

Among the first land plants, evolved from green algae about 450 million years ago.

Gametophyte

The dominant haploid phase in bryophytes that produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The diploid phase in bryophytes that grows from the zygote and is dependent on the gametophyte.

Sphagnum

A type of moss known for its high water retention and used in soil amendment.

Archegonia

Female gametangia in bryophytes that enclose the egg.

Antheridia

Male gametangia in bryophytes that produce sperm.

Rhizoids

Structures in bryophytes that anchor the plant and help in water absorption.

Calyptra

A tissue layer that covers the sporangium in mosses, important for protecting developing spores.

Peristome

A ring of teeth-like structures at the opening of a moss capsule that aids in spore dispersal.

Leptoids

Food-conducting tissues in mosses, analogous to phloem.

Hydroids

Water-conducting tissues in mosses, analogous to xylem.

Answer to challenges of land life

Desiccation, nutrient separation, and support through epidermis, stomata, cuticle, xylem, phloem, and lignin.

Mosses

Belong to the phylum Bryophyta and have specialized tissues but lack true vascular systems.

Hornworts

Plants in the phylum Anthocerophyta, characterized by horn-shaped sporophytes.

Forensic botany

The use of plant evidence in criminal investigations, particularly involving bryophytes.

True mosses

Mosses that have specialized water and food-conducting tissues yet lack full vascular systems.

Acclimation potential

The ability of some bryophytes to adapt to changing environmental conditions such as global warming.