The Evolution Of Plants Flashcards
What do Vascular tissues form?
A plant’s “plumbing system”
How does the Vascular system help plants?
Carries water and minerals from soil to leaves for photosynthesis. Carries food (sugar dissolved in water) from photosynthetic cells to others cells for growth or storage.
How did the evolution of vascular tissues change the plant kingdom?
The tissues allowed plants to grow large and endure periods of drought in harsh land environments.
How does lignin help plants?
Adds support to vascular tissues in stem allowing for greater plant size, water proofs the tissues to prevent leaks, and protects plants from herbivores and parasites that cant break them down.
How does the Cuticle help a plant?
Occurs on all land plants. Important for protection from drought, extreme temperatures and from ultraviolet radiation.
How do leaves help a plant?
They are rich in chloroplasts that function as solar collectors and food factories, they are covered in a waxy coating called a Cuticle
How do Roots help a plant?
They absorb water and minerals from soil and carry them to leaves, they also anchor a plant in the soil.
What is a Lignin?
A tough carbohydrate molecule that is hydrophobic (“water fearing“).
What are Roots?
Vascular organs that can penetrate soil and even rock.
What are Roots?
Vascular organs that can penetrate soil and even rock.
Why did land plants evolve a dominant diploid sporophyte?
Because diploid individuals are less likely to suffer harmful effects of mutations.
How early did plants colonize the land?
700 million years ago.
How far do the oldest plant fossils date back?
about 470 million years ago.
