The document summarizes four main plant phyla: Bryophyta (mosses), Pteridophyta (ferns), Gymnosperms (conifers), and Angiosperms (flowering plants). It provides details on the characteristics and life cycles of mosses, ferns, and conifers. Mosses are non-vascular plants that rely on moisture for transport and help prevent erosion. Ferns have vascular tissue but reproduce via spores. Conifers reproduce via naked seeds in cones and have needle-like or scale-like leaves. The document then states it will provide details on important angiosperm families.

1. Plant Phyla

2. But before we get into phyla . . .
 To what domain do plants belong?
 EUKARYA!!
 To what kingdom do plants belong?
 Plants (Plantae)
 What are some characteristics that ALL
plants share?
– Cell nuclei (Eukarya)
– Cell walls
– Multicellular
– Photosynthesis
– Sexually Reproducing

3. Introduction to Plants
 Plants are classified into four main group:
1. Mosses and Liverwort (Bryophyta)
2. Ferns (Pteridophyta)
3. Conifers (Gymnosperms)
4. Flowering Plants (Angiosperms)
– All are different in appearance, structure and
behaviour.

5. Mosses - Bryophyta
 Mosses are non-vascular plants -- they
cannot transport fluids through their bodies.
 Instead, they must rely on surrounding
moisture to do this job for them.
 Though small in stature, mosses are very
important members of our ecosystem.
 They lay the foundations for other plant
growth, prevent erosion, and contribute to
the lush green appearance of many forested
areas.

6. Mosses - 2
 The 24,000 bryophyte species, sometimes
grouped into a single phylum are now
grouped in three phyla:
1. Mosses (Bryophyta),
2. Liverworts (Hepatophyta) and
3. Hornworts (Anthoceraphyta).
 They reproduce by spores, never have
flowers, and can be found growing on the
ground, on rocks, and on other plants.

7. Mosses

8. Liverworts and Hornworts

10. Life Cycle of the Moss

11. The Fern - Pteridophyta
 Ferns have a vascular system to transport fluids
through their bodies but like the mosses, they
reproduce from spores rather than seeds.
 The main phylum, the Ferns (Pteridophyta)
includes around 12,000 species.
 Three other phyla are included as fern allies: the
Horsetails , Club Mosses and Whisk Ferns
 Ferns also have a gametophyte and sporophyte
stage, but the gametophyte stage is very short.

16. Conifers - Gymnosperms
 The gymnosperms reproduce from seeds instead of
spores.
 The seeds, however, are "naked" (Greek: gummnos) --
not covered by an ovary.
 Usually, the seed is produced inside a cone-like
structure such as a pine cone which is why they are
called "conifer."
 Some conifers, such as the Yew and Ginko, produce
their seeds inside a berry-like structure.
 Conifers are fairly easy to identify: In addition to
cones, these trees and shrubs typically have needle-like,
scale-like or awl-like leaves.
 And they NEVER have flowers.

17. Conifers - 2
 Approximately 600 species are counted as conifers
including the pines, firs, spruces, cedars, junipers,
and yew.
 Species within the conifer ranks give us pine nuts --
pesto's magic ingredient -- as well as juniper berries
for gin.
 Conifer allies include three small phyla containing
fewer than 200 species all together:
 Gingko (Ginkophyta)
 Cycads (Cycadophyta) ;
 And herb-like cone-bearing plants (Gnetophyta)
such as Ephedra.

18. Angiosperms (Flowering Plants):
Families
 Seed bearing plants of the Order
Angiosperm are further classified into plant
families.
 Plants belonging to the same family share a
common trait, usually based on flower
structure.
 The most important and common families
are detailed next: