Mosses and Ferns - Lecture 12 Summary

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the lecture on mosses and ferns, focusing on their differences from algae, adaptations for terrestrial life, life cycles, and the vascular structures of plants.

What distinguishes plants from algae?

Plants (Embryophytes) are multicellular eukaryotic photoautotrophs that occupy land, while all algae are aquatic species.

What is a major advantage of land for plants?

Easier access to sunlight.

What adaptations did plants evolve to survive on land?

Specialized tissues such as leaves and roots, a vascular system, and mechanisms for sperm and seed dispersal that do not depend on water.

Describe the moss life cycle.

The moss life cycle is dominated by the gametophyte stage and involves spores growing into protonemata, producing buds, and further developing into male or female gametophytes.

What does 'alternation of generations' refer to in plants?

It refers to the life cycle of plants involving both a multicellular diploid sporophyte and a multicellular haploid gametophyte.

What role do roots play in vascular plants?

Roots anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

What is a sporophyll?

A sporophyll is a modified leaf of a vascular plant that produces spores.

How do ferns' sporophytes and gametophytes differ?

Fern sporophytes are larger and independent, while gametophytes are smaller and photosynthetic but dependent on moisture for fertilization.

What is the significance of xylem in vascular plants?

Xylem carries water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.

In ferns, how do sperms reach eggs for fertilization?

Sperms swim through moisture to reach the eggs.