Seed Plants and Their Adaptations

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to seed plants and their adaptations as discussed in the lecture.

Spermatophytes

Collectively refers to seed plants.

Gymnosperms

A clade of seed plants that have exposed seeds, typically found on cones.

Angiosperms

A clade of seed plants known as flowering plants, which produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.

Reduced Gametophyte

A gametophyte that develops from spores but remains dependent on the sporophyte for nutrients and protection.

Heterospory

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

Ovule

A reproductive structure that includes a megasporangium, a megaspore, and integuments, which develops into a seed after fertilization.

Pollen Grain

The male gametophyte enclosed within a protective pollen wall.

Seed Advantages

Benefits of seeds include a protective seed coat, nutritional supply from female gametophyte tissue, the ability for long-term dormancy, and efficient dispersal.

Cycadophyta

A phylum of gymnosperms characterized by large cones and palm-like leaves.

Ginkgophyta

The phylum representing a single species, Ginkgo biloba, known for its high tolerance to air pollution.

Gnetophyta

A phylum composed of three genera with diverse appearances and ecological adaptations.

Coniferophyta

The largest phylum of gymnosperms, known for woody cones and needle-like leaves.

Angiosperm

Belongs to the phylum Anthophyta, commonly called flowering plants, which make up about 90% of all land plants.

Monocots

One of the two main groups of angiosperms, typically characterized by one cotyledon.

Eudicots

Also known as true dicots, this group features two cotyledons and net-like leaf venation.

Floral Organs

Specialized structures of flowers that include sepals, petals, carpels/pistils, and stamens.

Fruit

A ripened ovary that functions to protect seeds and aid in their dispersal.

Plant Benefits

Plants provide essential products for human welfare, including food, fuel, wood, and medicine.