Chapter 21.4, Problem 3MI

Summary Introduction

To define:

The given terms using a book or a dictionary

Introduction: Plant kingdom can be classified into vascular and nonvascular plants. Vascular plants can be further classified as seedless and seed plants. Vascular seed plants are the most widely distributed plants on this planet. Seed plants have a variety of adaptations for the dispersal of their seeds throughout their environments.

Answer to Problem 3MI

Cotyledon- It is a structure of embryo of a seed plant that stores food for the developing embryo.

Cone- It is the reproductive part of cycads and other gymnosperms. It may be male or female.

Annual- It is an anthophyte that completes its life cycle in one year or less.

Biennial- It is an anthophyte that completes its life cycle in two years.

Perennial- It is an anthophyte that lives for several years and produces flowers and seeds every year.

Explanation of Solution

Cotyledon- Vascular seed plants produce seeds. Each seed contains a small sporophyte surrounded by a protective tissue. Seeds have one or more cotyledons that store food or absorbs food for the tiny sporophyte.

Cone- It is the male or female reproductive part of cycads and other gymnosperms. Plants with cones are called gymnosperms. A male cone produces thousands of pollen grains that produce male gametophytes. Female cones produce female gametophytes.

Annual- Based on the life span, angiosperms or anthophytes are classified into annuals, biennials and perennials. An annual is an anthophyte that completes its life span- sprouts from seed, grows, and produces new seeds, and dies- in one growing season or less. This group includes garden plants and most weeds. Biennial- It is an anthophyte that completes its life span in two years. During its first year, it produces leaves and a strong root system. Some biennials develop fleshy storage roots like carrots, beets and turnips that are harvested after the first growing season. If the biennial is not harvested the above ground tissue dies. However roots and underground parts remain alive and produce new shoots, leaves and flowers the next year. The plant dies completely after the second year. Perennial- It is an anthophyte that lives for several years and produces flowers and seeds every year. Some perennials respond to harsh conditions by dropping leaves and then resume growth when conditions are favorable. Fruit trees, and many shrubs are perennials.