The document discusses Glossopteridales, an extinct group of gymnosperms that dominated during the Permian period on Gondwana and became extinct by the Triassic period. It focuses on the morphology and reproductive biology of Glossopteris, highlighting its leaf structure, including stomatal adaptations, and the unique reproductive structures such as glossotheca and multi-ovulate fructifications. The diversity and preservation of these plants across various continents are noted, with approximately 70 species identified in India alone.

1. Submitted To:
Dr.Antra Chatterjee
Dr. Harmanjit kaur
Dr.Geeta Devi
Submitted By: Jagriti Dubey

2. Glossopteridales and Glossopteris
 Glossopteridales included an extinct group of
seed plants (Gymnosperms).
 They were originated during the Permian. period
on the Gondwana Continent.
 They became the dominant vegetation in the
Permian period.
Glossopteris-Leaf shape

3.  They extinct completely by the end of the
Triassic period.
 The order name derived from the genus
Glossopteris.
 Glossopteris is the best-known member of
Glossopteridales.
 Glossopteris is a leaf.
 The name 'Glossopteris' means 'tongue-fern.'.
Glossopteris-”Tongue Shaped Leaf”

4.  The name was used to describe fossil leaves from
India and Australia that were spatulate and tongue-
shaped (Glossa= tongue)
 About 70 species of Glossopteris have been recognized
from India alone.
 Glossopteris was also reported from South America,
Australia, Africa, and Antarctica.

5. Morphology and Anatomy
 A small to medium-sized highly branched tree
 Leaves were dorsiventral
 Leaf lamina was flat in the dorsal side.
 Venations were reticulate
 Veins were parallel but anastomosing.
 Lateral veins originated from the midrib
 Midribs were with tracheids of scalariform or pitted
thickening.

6.  In the ventral side of the leaf, the midrib and veins were
raised
 Mesophyll was differentiated into palisade and spongy
tissues.
 Stomata were present on the lower surface of the leaf.
 The stomata were haplocheilic type
 Stomata present between the veins.
 Stomata were sunken type, indicate xerophytic
adaptation.
 Stomatal subsidiary cells were papillate.

8. Important Genera of Glossopteridales
 Leaves: Glossopteris, Gangamopteris
 Stem and Root: Vertebraria
Vertebraria-stem of
Glossopteridales

9. Male Fructification
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
 Male Fructification: Glossotheca
 Female Fructifications Two types:
(1). Cupular fructifications: Pterigospermum
(2). Multi-ovulate fructifications: Scutum

10. Multi-ovulate Frutification
 Leaf edges rolled over to form an enclosing structure to
protect the seeds.

12.  Fructifications of the Glossopteridales poorly preserved
in fossils.
 Reproductive structures were unusual as the foliage
leaves.
 Reproductive structures were born on the leaves as in
"Pteridospermales
 Pollen and seeds were produced on separate leaves.
This indicates unisexual strobilus.
 Pollen grains were produced inside the sporangia
 Seeds were produced on the under surface of the
leaves.

13.  Sporangia were formed on modified leaves called
sporophylls.
 Each sporangium bear staked pollen sacks.
 Ovulate bearing organs are more preserved in fossil
than pollen.
 Female strictures were very diverse indicating a wide
diversity among this group.

14.  Hairs or trichomes may be present on the leaves.
 The hairs may be branched or unbranched