Evolution of Plants Flashcards
(30 cards)
When did Angiosperms (flowering plants) first evolve?
Approximately 140 million years ago, during the early Cretaceous period.
What major plant group dominated before the rise of Angiosperms?
Gymnosperms (like conifers and cycads).
What are the earliest known angiosperm plant?
Montsechia vidalii
Which evolutionary milestone allowed plants to colonize land?
The development of a cuticle and stomata to prevent water loss.
What plant structures evolved for structural support on land?
Lignin in cell walls and vascular tissue (xylem and phloem).
What is the evolutionary advantage of pollen?
It allows fertilization without water, enabling reproduction in dry environments.
What is the evolutionary advantage of seeds?
Seeds protect the embryo, provide nutrients, and aid in dispersal.
How do seeds differ from spores?
Seeds contain an embryo and stored food; spores are single cells without stored nutrients.
Which group of plants first developed seeds?
Gymnosperms.
What is the function of the seed coat?
To protect the seed from physical damage and desiccation.
What is co-evolution?
When two species evolve in response to changes in each other over time.
How did plants co-evolve with pollinators?
Flowers evolved colors, scents, and nectar to attract specific animals.
What animals are common pollinators in plant co-evolution?
Bees, butterflies, birds, bats, and some mammals.
How did fruit development aid in seed dispersal?
Animals eat fruit and disperse seeds in their droppings.
Give an example of mutualism in plant-animal co-evolution.
Bees get nectar from flowers; flowers get pollinated.
How did early flowers differ from modern flowers?
Early flowers were less specialized and more symmetrical.
What trend is seen in flower evolution?
Increasing specialization for specific pollinators.
What is the role of petal color and scent?
To attract specific pollinators.
Why did some flowers evolve to mimic female insects?
To trick male insects into pollinating them (pseudocopulation).
How has symmetry changed in flower evolution?
From radial (actinomorphic) to bilateral (zygomorphic) symmetry for specialized pollination.
How has climate change affected plant evolution?
It alters habitats, shifting flowering times and species ranges.
How do invasive species impact plant evolution?
They compete for resources and may drive native plant adaptation or extinction.
What is artificial selection in plants?
Human-directed breeding for desirable traits, like in crops.
How does pollution affect plant evolution?
It can lead to changes in plant tolerance to heavy metals and other toxins.
