Physical characteristics and generations of FERNS Flashcards
What are 4 physical characteristics FERNS have?
- True vascular tissue
- Strong roots
- Creeping underground stems called rhizomes
- Large leaves called fronds
How big do ferns in the U.S commonly grow?
range in height from a few CM to about ONE METER
When are Ferns most abundant and which habitats do they grow the best in?
Abundant in wet or at least seasonally wet habitats
Grow best in RAIN FORESTS of the pacific northwest and in WET TROPICAL areas
What do Adult sporophytes produce?
Produces HAPLOID SPORES on the underside of FRONDS
Spores are produced in tiny containers called ______
Sporangia
How are Sporangia grouped?
Sporangia grouped into large clusters called Sori (singular: Sorus)
When SPORES are ripe they are released and carried by what over long distances?
- Wind
2. Water
What happens if Spores GERMINATE?
they develop into HAPLOID (1n) gametophytes
What do HAPLOID (1n) gametophytes structure look like and what is it called?
flatten out into thin heart-shaped green structures called PROTHALLIUM
What do Antherida and Archaegonia produce and where are they found?
They produce GAMETES and are found on the underside of the PROTHALLIUM
Antherida = \_\_\_\_\_ Archegonia = \_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Antherida = SPERMS Archegonia = EGGS
What happens when the Antherida matures?
when the Antherida matures the SPERM is release
What is required for the SPERM and EGG to be able to fertilized?
Fertilization requires a THIN FILM of WATER so that the fern SPERM can swim into the ARCHEGONIA to fertilize EGGS!
What is produced after the sperm and egg has been fertilized?
The DIPLOID (2n) ZYGOTE is produced
What happens to the zygote immediately after it has been produced?
Begins to grow into a new SPOROPHYTE plant
Puts out first FRONDS and then later, its RHIZOMES
