Topic 16 Flashcards
Shared Derived Traits of seed plants
- Reduce gametophytes
- Heterospory of microsporangia and megasporangia. Spores are not dispersed
- Ovules
- Pollen
- Seeds
Female Gametophyte in Seed Plants
The megasporangium (2n) produces a megaspore (1n) via meiosis enclosed in protective integuments (2n).
The megaspore is not dispersed, but pollination triggers female gametophyte developement
Pollen
Pollen grains hold microspores that develop into male gametophytes
Male Gametophyte
Microsporangium (2n) produces microspores (1n) via meiosis.
This is not dispersed, but develops into pollen grains
Pollination
Transporting pollen into the ovule for fertilization, which eliminates the need for water during fertilization
Evolutionary Advantages of Seeds over Spores
- Seed plants evolved structures to enhance long-distance seed dispersal
- Seeds have external coats to protect the embryo
- Seeds have energy-dense supply of stored food that supports early seedling growth
Two Clades of Seed Plants
Gymnosperms and Angiospersm
4 Phyla of Gymnosperms
- Cycadophyta (Cycads)
- Ginkophyta
- Gnetophyta
- Coniferophyta
Do NOT form a monophyletic group
Key Features of Life Cycle of Gymnosperms
- Gymnosperms have dominant sporophyte generations
- Gymnosperms develop seeds from fertilized ovules
- Transfer of male gametophytes to ovules by pollen