The Evolution of Plants

Before life was on Earths surface, it was found in the oceans. Plants evolved from an
ocean plant called algae. There are three types of algae: brown algae (Heterokontophyta), red
algae (Rhodophyta) and green algae (chlorophyta). The green algae had three forms; unicellular
(the chlamydomonas species), colonial (both spirogyra and vulvox) and multi-cellular (being
ulva). As time passes, the multi-cellular green algae evolved in to the very first land plants called
the bryophytes (also known as mosses). These plants spend most of their lives in the
gametophyte stage. This meant that they dont have vascular tissue, which is tissue that is used
to transport nutrients and water throughout the plant. They also have flagellated sperm, which
means they need to be in a water rich environment to reproduce as their sperm swim through the
water to find the archegonium. The bryophytes developed a few adaptions to survive on land.
One of the biggest differences was amount of water in the surrounding area. Because they didnt
have vascular tissue, they needed water everywhere because they couldnt transport it to other
parts. Another problem was water loss (also called desiccation). To prevent water loss the
bryophytes developed a thin waxy cuticle to prevent it.
As Bryophytes evolved, a new group of plant emerged called the Pteridophytes (also
known as the ferns). Unlike the Bryophytes, the dominant stage for Pteridophytes was the
sporophyte stage, which allowed them to have vascular tissue. This vascular tissue allowed the
Pteridophytes to grow bigger and stronger as they could now transport nutrients throughout its
stem. Unfortunately, they dont have vascular tissue in their roots or leaves limiting their
potential growth. Like the Bryophytes, the Pteridophytes still had flagellated sperm which is why
you find them in very moist areas like the amazon rainforest. Soon, the conditions on land
became cooler and dryer putting survival pressure on water dependent plants.
As the key to survival is using less water, a new group of plant was created called the
gymnosperm or more commonly known as the coniferous. Unlike the following two groups,
Gymnosperms are the first to have real seeds. These seeds arent covered but they do protect the
embryo very well. They use pollen for reproduction allowing them to no longer need water for
reproduction because they use the air for dispersal. Gymnosperms have an even longer
sporophyte stage than the Pteridophytes. Instead of leaves, Gymnosperms have needles to reduce
water loss. Unlike, Pteridophytes they now have roots and needles with vascular tissue. Their
needles also produce a resin that acts as an antifreeze so they stay green year long.
The last group of plants are the Angiosperms which have their seeds covered by a fruit.
Because of their covered seeds they rely on vector pollination (animal) instead of wind
pollination. Also when the fruit rots, it adds nutrients to the soil for the plant to grow. These
plants are the best developed as they have four important structures. Roots are fully developed
and bring nutrients to other parts of the plant. The stem provides a ridged structure and orientates
the leaves towards the sun. The leaves have stomata that access CO2 for photosynthesis. Their
flower and fruits provide a successful way to reproduce.