Seedless Plants Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the multicellular haploid organism called in the alternation of generations?

Embryo

Zygote

Gametophyte (correct)

Sporophyte

Which process leads to the formation of spores in seedless plants?

Mitosis

Gametogenesis

Meiosis (correct)

Fertilization

In ferns, what is the structure that contains the sporangium?

Sorus (correct)

Gametophore

Capsule

Rhizoid

During which stage does fertilization occur in the life cycle of mosses?

Zygote development Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the zygote after fertilization in seedless plants?

It develops into a sporophyte Signup and view all the answers

What type of reproduction is involved in the generation of gametes?

Meiosis Signup and view all the answers

Where do sperm develop in the moss life cycle?

Antheridia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of rhizoids in both mosses and ferns?

Supporting structures Signup and view all the answers

What type of lifecycle pattern do seedless plants exhibit?

Alternation of generations Signup and view all the answers

What happens to spores after they are released from the sporangium?

They enter the gametophyte stage Signup and view all the answers

Which generation is dominant in nonvascular plants?

Gametophyte generation Signup and view all the answers

What type of vascular tissue is absent in liverworts?

Both xylem and phloem Signup and view all the answers

Which type of spore production results in two different types of spores?

Heterosporous Signup and view all the answers

What structures do hornworts lack that is present in other bryophytes?

Setae Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the dominance of sporophytes in seedless vascular plants?

Sporophyte is dominant Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of sporophylls in seedless vascular plants?

Production of sporangia Signup and view all the answers

In what way do ferns differ from horsetails?

Ferns possess megaphylls; horsetails have small rings of leaves Signup and view all the answers

What type of plant survival method is associated with hornworts?

Symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about club mosses?

They are all considered seedless vascular plants Signup and view all the answers

What structural characteristic is found in ferns but not in whisk ferns?

Megaphylls Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Seedless Plants

Seedless plants are a diverse group encompassing nonvascular and vascular types.
Nonvascular plants (Bryophytes) lack vascular tissue, including xylem and phloem, which are needed for efficient water transport.
Vascular plants possess xylem and phloem for efficient water and nutrient transport throughout the plant, enabling greater size and complexity.
Seedless vascular plants include Lycophytes, Monilophytes.

Phyla of Extant Plants

Nonvascular Plants (Bryophytes) include Liverworts, Mosses, and Hornworts.
Vascular Plants (Seedless) include Lycophytes, Monilophytes.
Seed Plants (Gymnosperms) include Ginkgos, Cycads, Gnetophytes, and Conifers.
Seed Plants (Angiosperms) include Flowering Plants.

Seedless Plant Origins

Plants likely originated from green algae approximately 470 million years ago.
Vascular plants evolved about 425 million years ago.
Seed plants arose about 360 million years ago.

Alternation of Generations

Land plants exhibit an alternation of generations life cycle.
A diploid multicellular organism (sporophyte) produces haploid spores by meiosis.
Each spore develops into a haploid multicellular organism (gametophyte) via mitosis.
Gametes produced by the gametophyte fuse during fertilization, forming a diploid zygote that develops into a new sporophyte.

Nonvascular Plants (Bryophytes):

Gametophytes are the dominant generation in nonvascular plants.
Nonvascular plants lack true tissues, leaves, and roots, and have rhizoids instead of true roots.
Nonvascular plants are small and depend on water for reproduction.

Bryophyta (Mosses)

A large group of plants (15,000 species).
Possess seta and stomata.
Can survive in diverse habitats.

Hepatophyta (Liverworts)

A large group of plants (9,000 species).
Have a thallus body structure.
Setae and stomata are absent.

Anthocerophyta (Hornworts)

Small group of plants (100 species).
Stomata present, setae absent.
Form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.

Vascular Seedless Plants (Lycophyta, Monilophyta):

Sporophytes are the dominant generation
Have well-developed vascular tissue (xylem and phloem)
Well-developed roots, stems and leaves
Lycophytes (1200 species) include club mosses, spike mosses, and quillworts
Monilophytes (12,000 species) include ferns, horsetails, and whisk ferns.
Sporophylls bear sporangia, producing spores.
Homosporous plants produce one type of spore; heterosporous plants produce two types of spores.

Ferns

Ferns (Monilophyta) are the most widespread of the seedless vascular plants.
Ferns have megaphylls.
Ferns typically bear sori on the underside of their fronds.
Sori contain sporangia that produce spores.
Fern gametophytes are small, heart-shaped structures called prothalli.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of seedless plants, including nonvascular and vascular types. Learn about the classifications, origins, and key characteristics of various plant groups such as Bryophytes, Lycophytes, and Monilophytes. This quiz will test your knowledge of the diversity and importance of seedless plants in the ecosystem.