W2: L6 = Palaeo Ecosystem 4 [ATR] (Prof. Bamford) Flashcards
ATR stands for?
Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution
ATR process (how it came about)? (7)
- Terrestrial explosive diversity (100-50Ma).
- Earth-life system on land was reset.
- New level of productivity (tall forests).
- Flowering plant biology
(flowers have different biology than other plants). - Plants, pollinators & herbivores.
- Improved photosynthetic ability.
- Modification of habitats.
ATR attributes? (3)
- Fossil evidence.
- Cretaceous = increase in diversification of angiosperms, other plants & insects.
- After K-T extinction = increase in diversity of amphibians, mammals, squamates and birds.
Diversity vs Dominance in ATR attributes? (6)
- Angiosperms diversified & spread rapidly.
- Other plants also diversified.
- Angiosperms only dominant after the KPME.
- Beginning of most of the Angio family origins in the Cenozoic.
- Jurassic-Cretaceous = hot & humid (greenhouse).
- From hot house to icehouse (climate fluctuates).
Why were angiosperms so successful? (2)
- Reproductive biology.
- Vegetative biology.
Why were angiosperms so successful in terms of their reproductive biology? (5)
- Modified flowers.
- Double fertilisation.
- Reduction to ovule & pollen.
- Seeds & fruits.
- Genomic changes.
Angiosperms success via reproductive biology: Modified flowers?
Increased pollination efficiency.
Angiosperms success via reproductive biology: Double fertilisation?
Economic.
Angiosperms success via reproductive biology: Reduction to ovule & pollen?
Protection & efficiency.
Angiosperms success via reproductive biology: Seeds & fruits?
Safer germination conditions.
Why were angiosperms so successful in terms of their vegetative biology? (4)
- Xylem with vessels.
- High vein density.
- Secondary metabolites.
- Photosynthetic pathways (C3 to C4 & CAM).
Angiosperms success via vegetative biology: Xylem with vessels?
Better conductivity.
Angiosperms success via vegetative biology: High vein density?
Improves transpiration & photosynthesis.
Angiosperms success via vegetative biology: Secondary metabolites?
Defence.
Angiosperms success via vegetative biology: Photosynthetic pathways?
More efficient photosynthesis, more biomass, more herbivory, increased defence mechanisms (eg. latex).
Early Cretaceous Ecosystems attributes? (3)
- Transition to angio-dominated floras.
- Angios were a very small % of floras.
- Weedy & herbaceous habitat.