Early botanists admired ferns but found their life cycle perplexing. In the 1700s, they learned to propagate ferns by sowing what appeared to be tiny dust like “seeds” that they collected from the undersides of fronds. Despite many attempts, the botanists could not locate the pollen source, which they assumed must stimulate these “seeds” to develop. Imagine you could write to these botanists. Compose a note that explains the fern life cycle and clears up their confusion.

Byrophytes are usually found in areas that are very wet or damp at least part of the year. Which of the following statements describes characteristics of byrophytes that make them dependent on water? State all that numbers that apply. 1. They have a dominant gametophyte phase.  2. They have swimming sperm that need water so they can swim to fertilize the eggs of other nearby plants. 3. They do not have lignin-stiffened vascular tissue or roots to effectively distribute water throughout the plant.

On a class trip to a local creek, you discover a shrub-like plant with large, lobed leaves. When you look under the leaves, you see brown dots, and a network of veins. When you take a sample of the brown dots, you realize that they are made up of many microscopic spheres that are not seeds. You determine that you have found a:   Question 13 options:   Bryophyte   Gymnosperm   Fern   Club Moss

Which of the following cell types is responsible for cavitation-induced spore dispersal in most ferns? A. stipe cells B. indusium cells C. oogonia cells D. annular cells

Place the events in the correct sequence to show the steps in the flowering plant life cycle, beginning with the Mature, flowering sporophyte.