Summary
Mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms form lineages tracing the conquest of land.
In depth
Land plants' key innovations: embryos (embryophytes), vascular tissue, seeds, flowers. Genome studies place hornworts, liverworts and mosses as sister to vascular plants. Flowering plants diversified in the Cretaceous.
Plants moved onto land from freshwater charophytes about 470 million years ago. Mosses and liverworts lack true vascular tissue. Gymnosperms dominated the Mesozoic; angiosperms diversified from the Cretaceous.
Remember: ferns and relatives reproduce by spores, not seeds.
Frequently asked questions
What is Plant Phylogeny?
Mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms form lineages tracing the conquest of land.
Which area of biology covers Plant Phylogeny, and how advanced is it?
Plant Phylogeny is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Plant Kingdom, Algal Blooms and Plant Evolution, Alternation of Generations.
Can you give an example of Plant Phylogeny?
Darwin called the rapid rise of flowering plants an abominable mystery.
What should I learn before Plant Phylogeny?
Work through the Beginner topics in Plant Biology first, such as Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, then return to Plant Phylogeny. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Plant Phylogeny?
The closest topics to Plant Phylogeny are Plant Kingdom, Algal Blooms and Plant Evolution, Alternation of Generations, Double Fertilisation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Plant Phylogeny?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Plant Phylogeny. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is Plant Phylogeny different from Plant Kingdom?
Plant Phylogeny: Mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms form lineages tracing the conquest of land. Plant Kingdom: Multicellular, mostly photosynthetic eukaryotes with cellulose walls, from mosses to flowering plants. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Plant Phylogeny step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Plant Kingdom and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.