Plant Evolution + Diversity: Plant Adaptations for Terrestrial Life

1.Alternation of haploid and diploid generations 2.Walled spores produced in sporangia 3. Male and female gametangia 4. Multicellular, dependent sporophyte embryos

Green algae called charophytes

1. Unlimited sunlight 2. Abundant CO₂ 3. Initially, few pathogens or herbivores

1. Maintaining moisture within cells 2. Obtaining and transporting resources 3. Supporting body 4. Reproducing and dispersing offspring without water

1. Roots/root-like structures anchor the plant into place
2. Lignin

1. Impregnates the conducting vessels of land plants. 2. This supports the plant helping it maximize the surface area exposed to the sun

1. Transport water and minerals upward from the roots to the rest of the plant body. 2. Transport sugar from the leaves to the rest of the body

1. Cuticle
2. Stomata

Waxy coating on the surface of leaves and stems that limit water evaporation

Pores that open to let gases flow in and out but close to conserve water

1. Water-independent methods of gamete and zygote dispersal (e.g. pollen, seeds) 2. Structures that protect the developing embryo from drying out (e.g. flowers, fruits)