Water and Plant Reproduction

The more primitive plants cannot survive without water because they use sperm instead of pollen or spores. This should not be suprising because the evidence indicates that terrestrial plants had their origin in water. It is believed that they originated from green algae called charophytes. These algae are found in shallow water around the edges of standing water. Some advanced plants, like water lilies have secondarily returned to water.

As you study plant life cycles in class, you will notice that mosses, liverworts, hornworts and ferns need water to reproduce. No water, no fertilization. Advanced plants, such as the seed plants use the wind to carry their gametes.

• What are some primary differences between terrestrial plants and algae?
• What are some advantages and disadvantages of using water to reproduce?

Properties | Movement | Life | Locomotion | Metabolism | Excretion | Reproduction | Adaptation | Ecology | Map