Gymnosperms
A gymnosperm's seeds are not a part of fruits.
Habitat:
Depending on the species, plants can live almost anywhere on Earth
Reproduction:
Reproduction occurs in an alternation of generations. This means mitosis and meosis will both occur in alternate pattern to produce reproductive cells called gametes (1n) and spores (1n). When two of these gametes (1n + 1n) come together, it creates a diploid organism (2n).
Anatomical Features:
- Central vacuole that will cause organism to look wilted when turgor pressure decreases
- Chloroplasts for photosynthesis
- Cell wall made of cellulose
- Bare seeds directly on the surface of cones
Evolutionary Milestones:
Vascular tissues, seeds, flowers
Predators/Prey:
Autotrophs (photosynthesis)
- These autotrophs can often be found at the bottom of food chains when organisms eat the seeds and predators eat the organisms
Symmetry:
Radial, bilateral
Mobility:
- stationary (do not move)
- spores can move in wind/air and other organisms
Development:
This will depend on where the spore or gamete is in terms of alternation of generations. A general pattern will be shown on each page for angiosperms and gymnosperms in a picture to show the different paths the plant may take throughout alternation of generations.
Habitat:
Depending on the species, plants can live almost anywhere on Earth
Reproduction:
Reproduction occurs in an alternation of generations. This means mitosis and meosis will both occur in alternate pattern to produce reproductive cells called gametes (1n) and spores (1n). When two of these gametes (1n + 1n) come together, it creates a diploid organism (2n).
Anatomical Features:
- Central vacuole that will cause organism to look wilted when turgor pressure decreases
- Chloroplasts for photosynthesis
- Cell wall made of cellulose
- Bare seeds directly on the surface of cones
Evolutionary Milestones:
Vascular tissues, seeds, flowers
Predators/Prey:
Autotrophs (photosynthesis)
- These autotrophs can often be found at the bottom of food chains when organisms eat the seeds and predators eat the organisms
Symmetry:
Radial, bilateral
Mobility:
- stationary (do not move)
- spores can move in wind/air and other organisms
Development:
This will depend on where the spore or gamete is in terms of alternation of generations. A general pattern will be shown on each page for angiosperms and gymnosperms in a picture to show the different paths the plant may take throughout alternation of generations.