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Plant Evolution and Adaptations: From Algae to Land Mastery

Discover the journey of plant evolution from green algae to land mastery, exploring key adaptations like cuticle, vascular system, and lignin. Learn about mutualistic relationships and defense strategies in plant ecology.

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Plant Evolution and Adaptations: From Algae to Land Mastery

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  1. Plant Evolution

  2. Plant Evolution • Evolved from green algae (450 mya) • Both have same type of chlorophyll, store energy as starch, DNA similarities • Green algae ancestor • Multicellular body • Cells w/ channels to communicate • Reproduce w/ sperm & egg • Early plants • Low growth (nonvascular)

  3. Land Adaptations cuticle • Challenge: Retain Moisture • Early plants grew near water’s edge • Those that could survive longer dry periods were favored through natural selection • Adaptations: • Cuticle: waxy coating • Stomata: pores to allow gas exchange

  4. Land Adaptations glucose • Challenge: Transporting Resources • Adaptation: • Vascular system: tissue to transport nutrients • Up from the roots (ex: water) • Down from the leaves (ex: sugars) • Allows for taller growth water

  5. Land Adaptations • Challenge: Growing upright • Large plants need to support own weight • Adaptation: • Lignin: hardens cell wall; gives wood strength Mortar Lignin

  6. Land Adaptations • Challenge: Reproduction on land • Adaptations: • Pollen: carried by wind/animals • Seeds: hard coat protects embryo inside

  7. Plant Ecology • Mutualistic relationships • Type of symbiosis where both organisms benefit • Ex: Plants (provides living space)/Bacteria (create nutrients) • Ex: Plants (provide food)/Animal (help pollinate) • Herbivore interactions • Defense adaptations • Spines, thorns, chemicals

  8. Review • What traits do plants and plant-like protista (algae) share? • Name 4 adaptations that plants have for life on land. • Which plant adaptation allows them to carry nutrients to great heights? • Which plant adaptation allows them to retain moisture? • What is the purpose of lignin? • Explain a symbiotic relationship between plants and other organisms? • How do plants protect themselves from predators?

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