Chapter 29 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is the sister group to all other vascular plants?
Lycophytes
Lycophytes are distinct from other vascular plants and represent a separate evolutionary lineage.
What type of leaves do Lycophytes have?
Independently developed leaves
Lycophytes have evolved their leaf structures separately from other plant groups.
What is the dominant generation in Lycophytes?
Sporophyte
The sporophyte generation is the most prominent and complex phase in the life cycle of Lycophytes.
Do Lycophytes have seeds?
No
Lycophytes reproduce via spores instead of seeds.
Where are Lycophytes most abundant?
In the tropics
Lycophytes can be found worldwide but are particularly diverse in tropical regions.
What is a key characteristic of Club Moss (Selaginella)?
Superficially resemble true mosses
Despite their name, Club Mosses differ significantly in vascular structure and reproductive methods from true mosses.
What type of veins do Club Mosses have?
Small, unbranched veins
This feature distinguishes them from other vascular plants with more complex vein structures.
What type of gametophytes do Club Mosses produce?
Small, free-living gametophytes that produce both sperm and eggs
The gametophyte phase in Club Mosses is independent and can be photosynthetic.
What is the significance of water for Pterophytes?
All require water for flagellated sperm
Water is essential for the reproduction of Pterophytes, facilitating the movement of sperm to eggs.
What are whisk ferns characterized by?
Evenly forking green stems without true leaves or roots
Whisk ferns represent a unique adaptation among vascular plants.
What is the only known feature of gametophytes in whisk ferns?
Develop elements of vascular tissue
This is a rare occurrence among gametophytes in the plant kingdom.
What genus do all living species of horsetails belong to?
Equisetum
Equisetum is the sole genus representing horsetails, consisting of 15 living species.
What type of stems do horsetails have?
Ribbed, jointed photosynthetic stems
Their unique stem structure is adapted for photosynthesis and support.
What are the leaves of horsetails described as?
Nonphotosynthetic, scalelike leaves
These leaves emerge at each node and serve a different purpose compared to typical leaves.
What is the most abundant group of seedless vascular plants?
Ferns
Ferns comprise approximately 11,000 species, making them the largest group of seedless vascular plants.
What is unique about the sporophyte and gametophyte of ferns?
Both are photosynthetic
This characteristic enhances their adaptability and survival in various environments.
What do ferns produce in clusters called sori?
Distinctive sporangia
Sori are typically located on the back of fronds and are essential for reproduction.
What type of spores do diploid spore mother cells in ferns produce?
Haploid spores by meiosis
The production of haploid spores is a key step in the fern life cycle, leading to gametophyte formation.
What is the significance of rhizoids in ferns?
Serve as anchorage but are not true roots
Rhizoids lack vascular tissue and do not function like true roots in nutrient uptake.
How does the sporophyte of ferns compare to that of mosses?
More developed, independent, and dominant
Ferns exhibit greater complexity and structural differentiation than mosses.
What are the tightly rolled-up coils of fern leaves called?
Fiddleheads
This term describes the initial form of fern fronds as they emerge from the rhizome.
