Tracheophytes: Lycophytes & Pteridophytes Lecture Notes Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts related to Tracheophytes, Lycophytes, and Pteridophytes from the lecture notes.

Tracheophytes

Vascular plants that possess tracheids for water and mineral conduction and structural support.

Stems

Produce leaves and sporangia and contain phloem and xylem (contains tracheids and lignin).

Roots

Specialized for uptake of water and minerals from the soil.

Leaves

Perform the function of photosynthesis.

Tracheid

Elongated cells in the xylem that transport water and mineral salts with thick, lignified cell walls for structural support.

Lignin

A hard, rigid substance that provides support and structure for plants.

Thick Waxy Cuticle

Adaptations to conserve H2O; present to prevent desiccation; cutin found within them blocks pathogens.

Stomata

Pores that open and close to allow gas exchange while minimizing water loss.

Lycophytes and Pteridophytes

Vascular plants that do not produce seeds and reproduce via spores.

Three orders of Lycophyta

Clubmosses and firmmosses, quillworts and extinct scale trees, and spikemosses.

Pteridophytes

Ferns and fern allies.

Lycophytes and Pteridophytes

Vascular plants that reproduce by releasing spores rather than seeds.

Gymnosperms

Cycads, ginkgos, and conifers.

Angiosperms

Plants distinguished by the presence of flowers and endosperm.

Novel features developed by land plants to adapt to the stress of life on land

Tissue-producing meristems, sporic life cycle, tough-walled spores, and sporophyte generation.

Secondary metabolites

Chemicals produced by plants for which no role has yet been found in growth, photosynthesis, reproduction, or other 'primary' functions.

Carboniferous plants

Converted huge amounts of atmospheric CO2 into decay-resistant organic material during the Carboniferous period.

Critical innovations in plant evolution

Embryos, leaves, and seeds.

Embryophytes

The plant embryo is protected by the parent plant tissue.

Leaves in plant evolution

Increases surface area for capturing sunlight, thereby boosting photosynthetic capacity.

Seeds in plant evolution

Represent a major adaptation for plants in arid environments, protecting the embryo and containing a food supply.

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