Chapter 4, Section4 Flashcards
What are the two characteristics ferns, club mosses, and horsetails share?
They have true vascular tissue and they do not produce seeds. Instead of seeds, these plants reproduce by releasing spores.
What gives vascular plants strength and stability to grow tall?
Strong tubelike structures (vascular tissue) provide an effective way of transporting materials throughout the plant, which strengthens the plants body.
Where are ferns, club mosses, and horsetails commonly found? And why?
Moist surroundings because the plants release spores into their surroundings where they grow into gametophytes. When the gametophyte produce egg cells and sperm cells, there must be enough water for the sperm to swim towards the eggs.
Where do the stems of most ferns grow?
Underground. Leaves grow upward from the top side of the stems, while roots grow downward from the bottom side of the stems.
What structure anchors the fern to the ground and absorbs water and nutrients from the soil?
Roots
What are the fern’s leaves called?
Fronds
What is the upper surface of each frond coated with?
A cuticle that helps the plant retain water.
What are developing leaves in many ferns called and why?
Fiddleheads. Because they are coiled resemble the top of a violin.
Are the fern fronds the sporophyte stage or the gametophyte stage?
Sporophyte
What can be found on the underside of mature fronds?
Spore cases
Are club mosses moss? Yes or no?
No, because they have vascular tissue
Where do you club mosses usually grow?
In moist woodlands and near streams.
What are two unique characteristics about a horsetail?
The stems of horsetails are jointed. Long, coarse, needlelike branches grow in a circle around each joint. Small leaves grow flat against the stem just above each joint. The whorled pattern of growth somewhat resembles an appearance of a horse’s tail.
