What is next? Write your answers to these to begin your notes.

Think in terms of what we have seen so far in the evolution of land plants.

1. What has had to change in order to move away from water?

2. What do you think will happen next?

Ever been in one of these? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U

Orx6aFcEpU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKnrlUI85ys

Gymnosperms There are four major classes

Coniferophyta – largest remaining – pine trees

Cycadophyta - Cycads – very similar to ferns.

Ginkgophyta – One remaining species Gnetophyta – about 70 species.

Ginkgo Scientific name Ginkgo

biloba

Considered a living fossil – species is about 270 million years old.

Thought to have been common in disturbed environments (succession)

Gnetophyta Ephedra – members of

this genus make ephedrin

Welwitschia mirabelis (another single species)

Many woody climbing plants in tropics or sub tropics.

Cycadophyta Most are tropical or sub

tropical unless moved here – indoor plants.

Very similar to ferns

Reproductive structure similar to cones.

Not Palm Trees.

Coniferophyta Should be much

more familiar.

One of the dominant types of trees in the northwest.

What kinds of conifers can you name?