Q/ Differences on vascular tissue of gymnosperms and angiosperms.
| Gymnosperm | Angiosperm |
|---|---|
| 1. Generally lack vessel elements, which are specialized cells for water conduction in angiosperms. | 1. Possess vessel elements, larger and more efficient for water transport due to perforation plates |
| 2. Main water-conducting cells, with tapered ends and overlapping cell walls. | 2. Present in addition to vessel elements, especially in some primitive angiosperms |
| 3. Lack fibers in their xylem, which provide mechanical support in angiosperms. | 3. Often have fiber caps on top of vessel elements, providing structural support. |
| 4. Lack true sieve tube elements, responsible for food (sugar) transport, and companion cells present in angiosperms. | 4. Contain sieve tube elements responsible for food transport, accompanied by specialized companion cells. |
| 5. Often have resin canals for defense and storage of resinous compounds | 5. Generally lack resin canals; instead, produce latex in laticifers for defense and storage. |
Q/ Differences betweeen dicot and monocot.
| Dicot | Monocot |
|---|---|
| 1. The have 2 cotyledons | 1. They have one cotyledon |
| 2. They have reticulate venation. | 2. They have parallel venation. |
| 3. Often taproot system with a main root and lateral roots. | 3. Generally fibrous root system without a dominant main root |
| 4. Floral parts often in multiples of four or five. | 4. Floral parts often in multiples of three |
| 5. Stomata are usually scattered on the leaf surface. | 5. Stomata are usually arranged in a regular pattern on the leaf surface. |
Q/ Differences between gymnosperm and angiosperm.
| Gymnosperm | Angiosperm |
|---|---|
| 1. Seeds are naked (not enclosed in fruit). | 1. Seeds are enclosed in fruits. |
| 2. Cones are the reproductive structures. | 2. Cones are the reproductive structures |
| 3. Lack vessel elements in their xylem. | 3. Have vessel elements in their xylem for efficient water transport. |
| 4. Lack true flowers and fruits. | 4. True flowers and fruits are characteristic. |
| 5. Needle-like or scale-like leaves common. | 5. Broad, diverse leaf shapes and sizes. |
| 6. Sporophyte is the dominant life stage. | 6. Gametophyte is the dominant life stage. |
Q/ Heterosporus is a precursor to the seed habit considered an important evloution. Give reason.
Heterospory's two spore types (microspores, megaspores) reduced water reliance, protected embryos, aided nutrient supply, enabled dispersal, dormancy, and an independent sporophytic life cycle, crucial for seed habit evolution.