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Overview of seed plant evolution There were three (3) major reproductive adaptations in the evolution of seed plants. 1) Reduction of gametophyte (Gametophytes of seed plants are microscopic, so they can exist within the sporophyte). 2) Seeds became an important means of dispersal. 3) Pollen (Sperm cells) eliminated the liquid-water requirement for fertilization.
1) Reduction of the gametophyte continued with the evolution of seed plants. In seed plants, the very small female (1N) gametophyte develops from spores retained in the sporangia of the (2N) sporophyte. Why?? Delicate female gametophytes are protected from environmental stress. Embryos that are produced are also protected from stress.
2) Seeds became an important means of dispersal. Seeds are resistant to environmental stress, and are multicellular complex structures that consist of a sporophyte embryo, a food supply, and a protective coat. The embryo develops from the fertilized egg (derived from a spore) retained within the sporangium. The sperm (derived from a spore) is carried (produced by) a pollen grain released from a sporangium.
All seed plants are heterosporous. Female spores give rise to female gametes; male spores give rise to male gametes. The megasporangia produce megaspores (female) and the microsporangia produce microspores (male). The megasporangium is enveloped by layers of tissue called integuments. The whole structure (integuments + megasporangium) is called the ovule.
3) Pollen (with sperm cells) eliminated the liquid-water requirement for fertilization.
Pollen travels by air or on animals. It eliminates the need for water to be present during fertilization.
Hypothetical phylogeny of the seed plants. Note- two clades for seed plants.
Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms are vascular plants that bear naked seeds seeds not enclosed in specialized chambers. Mesozoic era was the age of gymnosperms Gymnosperms were the most common plants during the Mesozoic era (the age of dinosaurs). Four phyla of extant gymnosperms
Phylum Ginkgophyta: e.g., Ginkgo biloba. Phylum Cycadophyta: e.g., cycads. Phylum Gnetophyta: e.g., ephedra Phylum Coniferophyta: e.g., pines, firs, spruces
Life cycle of a pine demonstrates the key reproductive adaptations of seed plants
1. The tree is the sporophyte. 2. Female gametophyte develops within the sporangium. 3. Pollen cone has microsporangium that develops into pollen (male gametophyte). 4. After fertilization, the embryo develops and is surrounded by food reserves and a seed coat. 5. Embryo grows to produce a new sporophyte.
Angiosperms are flowering plants that form seeds inside a protective chamber called an ovary.
Examples:
Monocots: Orchids, lilies, grasses, palms, bamboo (Eu)dicots: Daisies, maples, snapdragon, pea, oaks
Originally, only:
Monocots are angiosperms that possess one embryonic seed leaf (cotyledon). Dicots are angiosperms that possess two embryonic seed leaves (cotyledons).
However, angiosperms have recently been divided into new taxonomic groups.
Fruit aids in seed dispersal. - Wind dispersal - Attachment and transportation - Consumption berries contain seeds to be passed in feces
Some plants easily self-pollinate, but most have mechanisms to ensure cross-pollination.
Male gametophytes reach female gametophytes by producing a pollen tube.