Clade Name
Key Phyla
Examples
General Traits
Keywords
Bryophytes (Nonvascular)
Marchantiophyta, Bryophyta,
Anthocerotophyta
Hornworts, Mosses, Liverworts
•
Gametophyte dominate life cycles
•
Reduced sporophyte
•
All have flagellated sperm
•
Sporophyte is usually dependent on
and attached to gametophyte for
survival
•
Sporophyte consists of a seta, foot, and
sporangia
•
Rhizoids anchor gametophytes, not
roots
•
Majority have no vascular tissue
•
Majority grow to minimal height
•
Most exist in moist habitats
Vascular Plants (Seedless)
Lycophyta, Pterophyta
Club Moss, Quillworts, Fern, Horsetail
•
All have flagellated sperm
•
Most exist in moist habitats
•
Most are heterosporous
•
Formed the first forests during the
Carboniferous period (ferns)
•
Vascular Tissue (xylem & phloem):
water and nutrients could be
transported and survival in more arid
environments become possible.
•
Roots: structural support and water
absorption from soil.
•
Lignin: helped to support vascular
tissue and allow plants to grow higher.
•
Leaves: improved photosynthesis.
Vascular Plants (W/ Seeds)
Gymnosperms
Fir, Spruce, Aspen, Red Wood, Pine,
Conifers
•
Seeds are not enclosed and usually
found on cones
•
Majority do not have flagellated sperm
•
All are heterosporous
•
Usually microscopic gametophyte
•
Ovules
•
Pollen: Improved fertilization efficiency
•
Seeds: Improved dispersal and
durability
Angiosperms/"Anthophyta"
Flowering Plants, Magnoliophyta
•
Flowers
•
Fruits
•
Seeds exist in fruit (ovaries)
•
Most abundant type of plants living
today
•
None have flagellated sperm
•
Most can exhibit double fertilization
(some gymnosperms too)
