Kingdom Plantae

Some Basics... First appeared 500 million years ago Multi-cellular Eukaryotic Autotrophs – make their own food  because they are photosynthetic (contain chlorophyll) Believed to have evolved from green algae Cellulose – type of a sugar molecule that makes up plant cell wall and allows plants to grow tall

Plant Evolution

Divided into Two Groups: 1. Vascular Plants  Have internal vascular system for transporting water and dissolved particles  Include: Tracheophytes (ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms 2. Non-Vascular Plants  DO NOT have internal vascular system for transporting water and dissolved particles  Include: Bryophytes (mosses)

Plant Phylogeny

aka - Bryophytes

Bryophytes Non-vascular plants Lack roots, stems and leaves Usually grow in short, dense mats in moist environments Example: peat moss

Bryophyte Reproduction 1. Asexual - Vegetative Reproduction  Small part of plant breaks off and grows into a new one 2. Sexual  Sperm have to swim from male reproductive organ to female reproductive organ  This process produces spores that are dispersed via wind, water and animals.

aka - Tracheophytes (ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms)

Vascular Plants - Tracheophytes Include most modern plants First appeared 360 million years ago Have vascular tissues for transporting materials throughout plant  Consist of: xylem and phloem Can grow much taller than bryophytes Two types: A. spore producing B. seed producing

A. Spore-Producing Plants Smallest and most primitive of tracheophytes Found mostly in moist/wet environments Include: Ferns Reproduce sexually, with sperm requiring water to swim to female reproductive organs  Similar reproduction to bryophytes

B. Seed-Producing Plants Most successful plants on Earth Highly specialized organs allow for adaptation to diverse environments (like: leaves, stems, roots) Include two types of plants: i.Gymnosperms ii.Angiosperms Sexual reproduction occurs by pollination  Doesn’t require water to transfer pollen

i. Gymnosperms Seeds are enclosed in cones Include: conifers (i.e. Pine tree) Ginkgos

ii. Angiosperms All flowering plants Reproduce sexually by pollination Can self-pollinate or cross-pollinate using animals, wind, etc. Two types: monocots and dicots

Importance of Plants Provide oxygen and food Provide wood Moss - harvested for fuel and can be used as a soil additive Fossilized remains of gymnosperms form coal deposits Ginkgo biloba extract (gymnosperm) – can improve circulation - especially to the brain! Cure for many diseases:  Rosy periwinkle – used for chemotherapy in cancer patients