Question

In: Biology

Compare gymnosperms to ferns and list at least 2 similarities and 2 differences between the two...

Compare gymnosperms to ferns and list at least 2 similarities and 2 differences between the two groups.

Solutions

Expert Solution

Two Similarities between ferns and gymnosperms:-

1 . Fruits and flowers are absent in both ferns and gymnosperm.

2. Both ferns and gymnosperm have vascular tissue in common.

Two Differences between ferns and gymnosperms:-

1.Ferns are flowerless plants that do not have any seeds whereas gymnosperms do have seeds of their own.
2.Ferns are grouped in one division whereas gymnosperms have four different divisions.
3.Ferns have a bigger number of species compared to gymnosperms.
4.Ferns have free-living gametophytes whereas gymnosperms don’t.

Detail explanation of each point:-

1.Ferns are plants that do not bear flowers. They do not have any seeds as well. In this regard, their mode of reproduction is through spores. Gymnosperms on the other hand have seeds, although they are not put inside an ovary. Hence, they procreate using those seeds. Examples of such are the conifers and cycads.

2.In terms of family classification, ferns are grouped within the division Pteridophyta whereas gymnosperms have four divisions namely: Pinophyta (conifers), Ginkgophyta, Gnetophyta and Cycadophyta. The first division is regarded as the biggest of them all that specifically includes pines trees.

3.Moreover, it has been noted that ferns are the bigger group of plants that is comprised of almost 20,000 different species whereas gymnosperms only have less than 1,000. There are 700 to 900 species of gymnosperms to be more exact.

4.In more detail, the life cycles of ferns and gymnosperms really differ. Ferns’ cycle is usually described as an alternation of several generations that usually start in a sporophyte (diploid cells) producing many spores through meiotic cell division. The latter grows further through mitotic division to form gametophytes. These gametophytes create gametes (usually sperms and eggs altogether). The more motile sperm will then look for an egg to fertilize while still being affixed to the prothallus. After fertilization, the resultant product is a new diploid cell that matures through a second round of mitotic division hence making the actual sporophyte ‘“ the fern.

Gymnosperms are also termed as sporophytes that create spores. Their mode of reproduction slightly varies depending on the division to which the gymnosperm belongs. For example, cycads have more mobile sperms that can go immediately towards the egg in the ovule by swimming. Conifers on the contrary have flagella-less or ‘tail less’ sperms that are transmitted to the eggs using a certain pollen tube. Also, there is a difference in the gametophytic life cycle stages between ferns and gymnosperms wherein ferns have complex liberally surviving gametophytes unlike Gymnosperm.


Related Solutions

Describe the differences between (be detailed): Bryophytes Ferns Gymnosperms Angiosperms
Describe the differences between (be detailed): Bryophytes Ferns Gymnosperms Angiosperms
31. Identify the major differences between the sexual life cycles of mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms....
31. Identify the major differences between the sexual life cycles of mosses, ferns, gymnosperms, and angiosperms. long detail answer
List 2 similarities and 2 differences between Fats and Cholesterol.
List 2 similarities and 2 differences between Fats and Cholesterol.
Writing at least 2 complete paragraphs, compare the similarities and differences of the Western and Eastern...
Writing at least 2 complete paragraphs, compare the similarities and differences of the Western and Eastern traditional African cuisines.
Describe the similarities and/or differences between the following (at least 4 similarities or differences for each):...
Describe the similarities and/or differences between the following (at least 4 similarities or differences for each): production of ATP in oxidative phosphorylation and production of ATP in the membrane associated (light) reactions photosystem I and photosystem II citric acid cycle (Kreb cycle) and Calvin cycle
Describe the similarities and/or differences between the following (at least 4 similarities or differences for each):...
Describe the similarities and/or differences between the following (at least 4 similarities or differences for each): production of ATP in oxidative phosphorylation and production of ATP in the membrane associated (light) reactions photosystem I and photosystem II citric acid cycle (Kreb cycle) and Calvin cycle
List two similarities and two differences between viruses and bacteria. Then, list a specific bacterial disease...
List two similarities and two differences between viruses and bacteria. Then, list a specific bacterial disease and tell how it is treated. List a specific viral disease and how it is treated.
Compare the similarities and differences between amylopectin and chitin.
Compare the similarities and differences between amylopectin and chitin.
Compare the two systems of classifying reactions – what similarities and differences are there between them?...
Compare the two systems of classifying reactions – what similarities and differences are there between them? What factors are used to determine what a reaction is classified as according to what atoms do? What different classifications fall under this category? What factors are used to determine what a reaction is classified as according to type? What different classifications fall under this category? (Nature of each classification method, what each focuses on to classify reactions, what similarities and differences exist, and...
Compare the similarities and differences between institutional and independent IRBs
Compare the similarities and differences between institutional and independent IRBs
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT