Lycophytes Flashcards
What phylum do lycophytes belong to?
Phylum Lycopodiophyta
What are the three main groups of lycophytes?
- Quillworts (Isoetales)
- Club mosses (Lycopodiales)
- Spike mosses (Selaginellales)
What is a common name for lycophytes?
Fern allies
What type of leaves do lycophytes have?
Microphylls
How long have lycophytes existed?
Dating back 425 million years (Silurian period)
During which geological period were lycophytes dominant?
Carboniferous period
What is a characteristic size of modern lycophytes?
Relatively small
Describe the general features of lycophytes.
- Small plants, either erect or creeping
- Dichotomous branching
- Leaves (microphylls) are small
What is homospory?
Production of one type of n spore that gives rise to a bisexual gametophyte
What is heterospory?
Production of two types of n spores, microspores and megaspores
What does a microspore develop into?
Male gametophyte
What does a megaspore develop into?
Female gametophyte
What is another name for club mosses?
Ground pine
How many species are in the family Lycopodiaceae?
400 species
What are the characteristics of club mosses?
- True roots
- Rhizomes
- Small, scale-like leaves
Where are sporangia found in club mosses?
In cone-like strobili or scattered along the stem
What is the conservation status of club mosses?
Endangered from overharvesting
What ancient club moss was a large tree?
Lepidodendron
What is the height of Lepidodendron?
Up to 40 meters (about 130 feet)
What type of leaves does Lycopodium obscurum have?
Small, scalelike, evergreen leaves (microphylls)
What structure protects the sporangia in Lycopodium obscurum?
Conelike strobilus
How many species are there in spike mosses?
Around 700 species
What genus do spike mosses belong to?
Selaginella
What are the growth forms of spike mosses?
- Creeping
- Cushiony
- Erect
How are leaves arranged in spike mosses?
In four vertical rows
What is a notable adaptation of some spike moss species?
Adapted to arid environments (e.g., Selaginella lepidophylla)
What do strobili in spike mosses contain?
Reproductive structures
What type of spore production do quillworts exhibit?
Heterosporous
What are the two types of spores produced by quillworts?
- Megaspores
- Microspores
Where do quillworts typically grow?
Aquatic or semi-aquatic environments, often in cool, swampy regions
What is a unique feature of Isoetes compared to other lycophytes?
Occurrence of secondary growth in the stem
What is the function of the ligule in Isoetes?
Similar to Selaginella, present on each leaf
What are lycophytes?
Lycophytes are a group of vascular plants that include clubmosses, spikemosses, and quillworts.
True or False: Lycophytes are considered part of the seed plant lineage.
False
Fill in the blank: The main reproductive structures of lycophytes are called ______.
strobili
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of lycophytes? A) Vascular tissue B) Seeds C) Microphylls
B) Seeds
What type of leaves do lycophytes possess?
Microphylls
True or False: Lycophytes have a dominant sporophyte generation.
True
What is the significance of lycophytes in the evolution of plants?
Lycophytes are among the earliest vascular plants, providing insights into the evolution of land plants.
What is the habitat preference of most lycophytes?
They typically prefer moist, shaded environments.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a member of the lycophyte group? A) Fern B) Pine C) Lycopodium
C) Lycopodium
Short answer: What is the main method of reproduction in lycophytes?
Sporic reproduction involving spores.
Fill in the blank: The gametophyte of lycophytes is often ______ and independent.
photosynthetic
True or False: Lycophytes have a complex root system.
True
What is the name of the structure that produces spores in lycophytes?
Sporangium
Multiple choice: Which of these is a characteristic feature of lycophytes? A) True leaves B) Microphylls C) Flowers
B) Microphylls
What are the three main groups of lycophytes?
Clubmosses, spikemosses, and quillworts.
True or False: Lycophytes can be found in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
True
Fill in the blank: Lycophytes are more closely related to ______ than to ferns.
gymnosperms
Short answer: How do lycophytes contribute to their ecosystems?
They provide ground cover, habitat, and contribute to soil formation.
Multiple choice: What is a common name for the lycophyte genus Lycopodium? A) Clubmoss B) Tree fern C) Horsetail
A) Clubmoss
What is the primary role of microphylls in lycophytes?
Photosynthesis
True or False: Lycophytes are known for their large, complex flowers.
False
Fill in the blank: The lycophyte gametophyte is typically ______ in size compared to the sporophyte.
smaller
Short answer: What is the ecological importance of lycophyte spores?
They can remain dormant for long periods and are important for plant colonization.
Multiple choice: Which of the following describes the life cycle of lycophytes? A) Alternation of generations B) Asexual reproduction only C) Seed-based reproduction
A) Alternation of generations
What type of environment do lycophytes thrive in?
Moist, shaded environments
True or False: Lycophytes have been around since the Devonian period.
True
Fill in the blank: The study of lycophytes contributes to our understanding of ______ diversity.
plant
