Question

1. Draw a phylogenetic diagram of the evolutionary relationships among the following land plant phyla: Bryophyta, Pterophyta, Coniferophyta, & Anthophyta. Map the following characteristics and explain how each contributes to the success of the appropriate phylum on land.
   1. cuticle                b. vascular tissue         c. true roots & leave

2. Map the following characters on the appropriate branches of your phylogeny from question 20.  Briefly explain how each is an adaptation for reproduction in terrestrial environments.
   1. walled spores                                                    e. pollen
   2. complex, multicellular gametangia                       f.  seeds
   3. multicellular, dependent embryos                        g. flowers
   4. alternation of generations                                 h. fruit

Answer 1

Cuticle is a waxy covering present on the surface of plant body and protect the plant body from heat and dessication and prevent water loss by evapotranspiration.

Vascular tissue helps in the conduction of water and nutrients throughout the plant body.

True roots help in the absorption of nutrients and attachment of plant body to the ground and true leaves are present to increase the photosynthetic efficiency of the plant.

Walled spores are present to to protect themselves from external environmental conditions and remain viable for thousands of years.

Gametangia is present so as to protect the gametes.

Embryos are formed inside the plant body so that the young embryo is protected and gets nutrition from the plant body.

Alternation of generation is important because it ensure two phases in the life cycle of plant according to the different environmental condition.

Pollen Grain are important because they ensure the transfer of male gametes to the female gametes.

Seeds ensures continuation of generation and remain viable for thousands of years.

Flowers protect the male and female reproductive organs

Fruit protects the seeds.

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