Briefly cite three examples of convergent evolution in plants and/or fungi. Disc

Question

Briefly cite three examples of convergent evolution in plants and/or fungi. Discuss why it is that these particular biological features become evolutionary solutions for organisms that are unrelated.

Briefly discuss the importance of heterospory in the evolution of plants. Cite examples of organisms that are experimenting with heterospory. Discuss how heterospory might be an important for adaptation to land, and which plants have fully exploited heterospory for offsetting reproduction through time.

Explanation / Answer

Convergent evolution examples

1.Vinus fly trap: It has evolved into carnivorous plant since it cannot fix atmospheric nitrogen, so it traps insects and draws nitrogen from them

2.Desert plants(cactus): They develop special structures like thorns,prickles etc ..in oder to protect them from herbivorous animals

3.Flowering plants(Nasturtium,Aerangis): They develop a special structure called "spurs" which contain nectars that attracts birds and animals and aid in pollination

Heterospory evolution in plants:

Organisms that are experimenting heterospory: The production of two type of spores with different sexuality was evolved in Pteridophytes, in which experimenting is done in species like Seleginella,Isoetus,Salvinia,Azolla.

Heterospory adaptation to land:

As i mentioned above that heterospory led to formation of seeds.The formation of seed is one of the greatest evolutionary event in seed plants. It is the greatest adaptation of land plants to ensure its reproductive success and survival.

The Gametophytic generation is a weak link between the sporophyte and seed in the life cycle of terrestrial plants.The chance of the "survival of independent gametophyte is very less". In order to overcome this problem ,female gametophyte is permanenty retained in megasporangium.

Thus the heterosporous condition is considered as precondition for seed plants.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse B
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.