Biology (Mader), 10th Edition

Chapter 23: Plant Evolution and Diversity

Learning Outcomes

After studying this chapter, you should be able to accomplish the following outcomes.

The Green Algal Ancestor of Plants

1. Give four features of charophytes which are consistent with their sharing a common ancestor sometime in the past with plants.
2. Draw an evolutionary tree for plants showing significant innovations during their evolution.
3. Distinguish between the sporophyte and the gametophyte in the plant life cycle.
4. Associate the increased dominance of the sporophyte with plant adaptations to the land environment.

5. Name and describe the three types of bryophytes.
6. In what ways are Bryophytes adapted and not fully adapted to living on land?
7. Explain a diagram of the moss life cycle, pointing out significant events.

8. Describe Lycopodium, a ground pine.
9. Explain the observation that lycophytes but not bryophytes have roots, stems, and leaves.
10. Explain why the leaves of lycophytes are termed microphylls.

11. Name and describe three types of pteridophytes.
12. Explain why the leaves of pteridophytes are termed megaphylls.
13. Explain a diagram of the fern life cycle, pointing out significant events.

Evolution of Seed Plants: Full Adaptation to Land

14. Define a seed and explain how a seed plant life cycle differs from that of a seedless vascular plant.
15. Name and describe the significant difference between the two major types of seed plants.
16. Name and describe four groups of gymnosperms.
17. Describe the carboniferous period and tell what types of plants contributed the most to coal-forming forests.
18. Name the two major types of flowering plants and state their differences.
19. Describe the parts of a flower and their functions; explain how pollinators contributed to the diversification of flowers.
20. Explain a diagram of the pine and flowering plant life cycles, pointing out significant events.