Concept explainers
In this abbreviated diagram, identify the four major plant groups and the key terrestrial adaptation associated with each of the three major branch points.
To determine: The four major plant group and their key terrestrial adaptation associated with each of the three major branch points.
Introduction:
The evolution of plants started with the origin of land plants that included the bryophytes. Land plants developed apical meristem and the embryos. After the land plants, the origin of vascular plants occurred. They involved the seedless fern and mosses. Lastly, the origin of seeded plants occurred. This includes the angiosperms and the gymnosperms.
Answer to Problem 1CC
Pictorial representation: The highlights of plant evolution are depicted in Fig.1.
Fig.1: The major events in plant evolution.
Explanation of Solution
The three distinct adaptations which gave rise to the four major plant groups are:
(1)
Correct answer: The origin of land plants.
Explanation:
The first terrestrial adaptation includes the origin of land plants. Their development included presence of the meristem and the embryos within the parent.
They include the major plant group (a) the bryophytes. The bryophytes are the non vascular plants and they evolved from the green algae about 475 million years ago. It included the development of apical meristem and embryos. For example: Mosses, hornworts, and liverworts. Hence, the correct answer is origin of land plants.
(2)
Correct answer: The origin of vascular plants.
Explanation:
The second adaptation includes the origin of vascular plants. It included the development of vascular tissues that helped the plants to grow tall and move away from the moist environment. They were now able to transport water to the leaves from the roots.
They include plant group (b) the seedless vascular plants. They evolved about 425 million years ago and include the ferns, club mosses and the horsetails. Hence, the correct answer is origin of vascular plants.
(3)
Correct answer: The origin of seed plants.
Explanation:
The third adaptation includes the origin of seed plants. They included the vascular seed plants. The seeds provided protection and dispersion of the embryos.
They include two major groups of plants:
Group (c) Gymnosperms: They include the seeded plants which have their seeds within the cones. They evolved about 360 million years ago. For example: pines, fir and spruce.
Group (d) Angiosperms: They include the vascular seeded plants that bear flowers. They evolved about 360 million years ago along with the gymnosperms. For example: rose, maple trees and oak trees. Hence, the correct answer is origin of seed plants.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 17 Solutions
Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, Books a la Carte Plus Modified Mastering Biology with eText -- Access Card Package (8th Edition)
- Relate the structure of an angiosperm leaf to each of the following:- Adaptations for photosynthesis and food storage.- Adaptations for food translocation and water transport.- Specialized adaptations to a desert environment.arrow_forwardDescribe a modified structure and function of the following plant organs: Leaf - Stem - Root -arrow_forwardPlants are classified into three types based on water availability in its habitat. What are these types? Cite at least one leaf adaptation (morphological/ anatomical) on each type.arrow_forward
- Name four major ways human societies rely on seed plants.arrow_forwardWhich of the following are adaptations for reproduction in dry environments? - seeds and pollen - xylem and phloem - flowers and fruits - cuticle and stomataarrow_forwardHow may the following trends in plant evolution be adaptive to living on land? (a) dependence on water for fertilization ➝ no need for water as a transport medium (b) homospory ➝ heterosporyarrow_forward
- Differentiate the reproductive structures and processes of the four plant representatives according to the categories provided. Bryophye Pteridophyte Gymnosperm Angiosperm TWO distinguishing characteristics of fertilization TWO distinguishing characteristics of embryogenesisarrow_forwardExplain why seedless vascular plants are not considered to be fully successful terrestrial plants even though they are widespread throughout the planet and contain vascular tissues for transporting materials.arrow_forwardWhat advantages does skunk cabbage derive from this adaptation? How may this impact other species? Would you classify this plant and EXOthermal and explain your answer.arrow_forward
- A barrel cactus that is 60 cm tall and 30 cm in diameter has roots more than 3 m long. However, all the plant’s roots are found in the soil at a depth of 5 to15 cm. What possible adaptive value does such a shallow root system confer on a desert plant?arrow_forwardExplain why seedless vascular plants are not considered to be fully successful terrestrial plants even though they se widespread throughout the planet and contain vascular tissues for transporting materialsarrow_forwardDraw a generalized pine tree life cycle and identify the following structures: male and female gametophytes, pollen grain, integuments, archegonium, egg, embryo, and sporophyte.arrow_forward
- Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305389892Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage LearningBiology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781337392938Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. BergPublisher:Cengage LearningConcepts of BiologyBiologyISBN:9781938168116Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James WisePublisher:OpenStax College