Plant Morphology, Diversity and Evolution

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary related to plant morphology, diversity, and evolution.

Dicot

A type of flowering plant that has two cotyledons in the seed.

Monocot

A type of flowering plant that has one cotyledon in the seed.

Meristem

A tissue in plants that contains undifferentiated cells and is responsible for growth.

Xylem

The vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the roots.

Phloem

The vascular tissue in plants that transports sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

Sporophyte

The diploid generation of a plant that produces spores.

Gametophyte

The haploid generation of a plant that produces gametes (sperm and eggs).

Stomata

Tiny openings in the plant leaves and stems that allow for gas exchange.

Rhizoids

Root-like structures in non-vascular plants that anchor the plant to the substrate.

Fertilization

The process of combining male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Sporangium

A structure in which spores are formed.

Cotyledon

The first leaf or leaves that appear from a seed during germination.

Angiosperm

A group of flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruit.

Bryophyte

A group of non-vascular plants that includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

Vascular tissue

Specialized tissue in plants that conducts water, nutrients, and organic compounds.

Stamen

The male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the anther and filament.

Carpel

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the ovary, style, and stigma.

What are the main divisions of plants?

The main divisions of plants are Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms.

What are Bryophytes?

Bryophytes are non-vascular plants that include mosses and liverworts, typically found in moist environments.

What are Pteridophytes?

Pteridophytes are vascular plants that reproduce via spores, such as ferns.

What are Gymnosperms?

Gymnosperms are seed-producing plants that have seeds unprotected by an ovary or fruit, such as conifers.

What are Angiosperms?

Angiosperms are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit.

What is the significance of Bryophytes?

Bryophytes play a crucial role in soil formation and stabilization, and as pioneer species in ecosystems.

What is unique about Gymnosperms?

Gymnosperms are unique for their reproductive structures, called cones, which house seeds.

How do Angiosperms differ from Gymnosperms?

Angiosperms differ from Gymnosperms in that they produce flowers and fruits, which enclose their seeds.

What are the main groups of Gymnosperms?

The main groups of Gymnosperms include Coniferae (Conifers), Cycadophyta (Cycads), Gnetophyta (Gnetophytes), and Ginkgoales (Ginkgo).

What are Conifers?

Coniferae are a group of Gymnosperms that produce cones and are primarily evergreen, including species such as Pinus (pines) and Picea (spruces).

What characterizes Cycads?

Cycadophyta are tropical and subtropical plants characterized by a stout trunk and a rosette of large, feather-like leaves.

What are Gnetophytes?

Gnetophyta are a diverse group of Gymnosperms that include trees, shrubs, and vines, known for possessing some Angiosperm-like features.

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is the only living species in Ginkgoales, recognized for its fan-shaped leaves and resilience to pollution.

How do Gymnosperms reproduce?

Gymnosperms reproduce through seeds that develop from fertilized ovules found on cones.

What ecological roles do Gymnosperms play?

Gymnosperms contribute to ecosystems by providing habitats for wildlife, participating in carbon cycling, and serving as sources of timber and resins.

How do Gymnosperms differ in leaf structure compared to Angiosperms?

Gymnosperms typically have needle-like or scale-like leaves, whereas Angiosperms generally have broad, flat leaves.