WB01343_4.gif (599 bytes)
Transition

Anthophyta & Coniferophyta Significant Life Cycle Adaptations - Summary

WB01345_4.gif (616 bytes)
Examples

WB01434_.gif (237 bytes)WB01434_.gif (237 bytes) Link BACK to Conifer Webpage WB01434_.gif (237 bytes)WB01434_.gif (237 bytes)

Integument -> Micropyle -> Specific Locus of Fertilization that      Reduces Multiple Fertilizations

Location of Archegonia (Coniferophyta) Reduces Multiple Fertilizations

Location of Egg Apparatus (Anthophyta) reduces Multiple Fertilizations

Presence of only One Egg Apparatus (Anthophyta) reduces Multiple Fertilizations.

Integument -> Seed Coat -> (Coniferophyta & Anthophyta)

  1. Protection of Megagametophyte & Embryo

  2. Regulation of Seed Germination (Chemical, Physical & Temporal)

  3. Seed Dispersal [Nutritional, Physical (i.e. animals, wind or water)]

Pollination Drop (Coniferophyta) Traps Pollen & Draws it Inside Ovule

Megagametophyte Development is Endosporic
(Coniferophyta & Anthophyta)

  1. Protection

  2. Nutrition

Embryo Development is Endoscopic (Coniferophyta & Anthophyta)

  1. Protection

  2. Nutrition

  3. Head Start for Seedling

Megagametophyte OR Endosperm (Coniferophyta or Anthophyta)

  1. Nutrition for Embryo & Seedling

  2. Dispersal by Animals

Cotyledons = Specialized "Seed Leaves" (Coniferophyta & Anthophyta)

  1. Absorb Nutrients for Embryo & Seedling

  2. Perform Photosynthesis for Seedlings.

Sepals & Petals  (Anthophyta)

  1. Protect Stamens & Carpels

  2. Attract Pollinators with
    Color, Shape, Odors, Nectar

  3. Trap Marauders

  4. Feed Defenders (i.e. ants)

  5. Disseminate Fruits

Stamens (Anthophyta)

Specialized for Microgametophyte Production

Pollinia (highly modified Anthers) specialized Pollination (Orchids)

Microgametophyte (Pollen) (Coniferophyta & Anthophyta)

Shape and Ornamentation -> Aid Pollination

Nutritional Content -> Aid Pollination (Anthophyta)

Pollen Tube (Coniferophyta & Anthophyta)

  1. Delivers Sperm to Egg

  2. Avoids the need for free water

  3. Tube Length -> Specificity of Fertilization

Stigma (Anthophyta)

Hairs (Trichomes) Catch Pollen

Stigmatic Fluid (Anthophyta) 

  1. Catch Pollen

  2. Control Pollen Germination (+/-),

  3. May Enhance initial Pollen Tube Growth

Style (Anthophyta)

  1. Hollow with Secretory Epidermis -> Enhanced Pollen Tube Growth

  2. Transfusion Tissue ->

  1. Enhanced Pollen Tube Growth

  2. Direct Pollen Tube Growth -> Ovary

Ovary (Anthophyta)

  1. Protects Ovules

  2. Attracts Pollinators (Nectar or Aroma)

  3. Disperses Seeds

Color (animals)

Aroma (animals)

Nutritional Composition (animals)

Passive Physical  Structures (i.e. Barbs or Plumes) animals, wind, water

Active Physical Mechanisms (i.e. hydrostatic pressure or mechanical effects)

TOP