Lab 13: Plant Diversification

importance of understanding plant diversification

food source, oxygen source (photosynthesis), mental well-being, medicinal, chemical cycling/ flood control/ energy

what is a plant

members of the kingdom Plantae, eukaryotic, most are autotrophic (can produce their own food), but some may be heterotrophs

3 Characteristics that most plants share

• create their own food

• sessile and (mostly) terrestrial

• multi cellular

adaptive traits since most are sessile and terrestrial

autotrophs via photosynthesis: evolved in plants that live in warm climate and to reduce water loss

heterotrophs: parasite (feeds on host) and carnivorous (eats animals)

defenses from predators

• unique cell structures

• anatomical structures

• excretions

• chemicals

• mimicry/camouflage

reproduction

full haploid and diploid life stages in life cycles and can alternate between the two

• sporophyte stage

• spore production

• haploid spores

• spore growth

• gametophyte stage

• gamete production

• haploid gametes

• fertilization

• diploid zygote

• zygote growth

• cycle completion

adaptation the leads movement from water onto land

• grow low to the ground

• vascular system

  • network or specialized tissue

• cuticle

  • shiny waxy non-cellular layer

four phyolgenies of plants

• nonvascular plants

• vascular plants

• gymnosperms

• angiosperms

non vascular plants - unique characteristics and reproduction

• no vascular system

  • uses diffusion to obtain water and nutrients

• reproduction

  • reproductive unit: spores

  • rely on water dispersal for fertilization

vascular seedless plants - unique characteristics and reproduction

• vascular system

  • transports water, carbs, and minerals throughout the plant

• reproduction

  • reproductive unit: spores

  • Relies on water dispersal for fertilization

gymnosperms

• First, evolve the seed (female)

  • embryonic plant with its own supply of water and nutrients within a protective coating

• First to evolve pollen (male)

  • contains the plant’s sperm

• rely on wind dispersal for fertilization

angiosperm unique characteristics and reproduction

• First to evolve the flower and fruit

• rely on pollinators for pollen dispersal (bribery or trickery)

• rely on animals, wind, and water for seed dispersal