Question

Kingdom Plantae

- Main characteristics of Kingdom Plantae.

- How did plants evolved? What were the main requirements for plants to survive on land?

Answer 1

Characteristics

Plants are multicellular eukaryotic organisms

They consist of cell walls (made of cellulose) and chlorophyll. They are autotrophs

They grow by cell division.

They lack motility and are sessile.

Evolution of plants

Plants evolved from fresh water algae called charophytes.

Requirements for plants to survive on land

1. Body support

In water plants are buoyant and force of gravity is minimal. To grow on land the plants had to withstand gravitational force. The plants developed rigid cellwalls, woody tissues to provide support.

2. Transport of water and other materials

On land plants had to get water and minerals from soil and not directly from environment as in water. Plants developed conducting vessels to transport materials.

3. Bringing sex cells together

4. Development and dispersal of embryo