Question

What is the evolutionary importance of Pteridophytes?

Answer 1

Pteridophytes:

1. These are seedless, fruitless, flowerless, multicellular vascular plants.
2. These have well-differentiated plants such as roots, stems, and leaves. Reproduction is by spores so they are independent and free-living organisms.
3. Ferns and horsetails come under Pteridophytes.

Evolutionary importance of Pteridophytes:

1. Pteridophytes are groups of plants that are the first ones in the kingdom Plantae to grow in terrestrial conditions.
2. Pteridophytes provided food to organisms (animals) present in the terrestrial environment.
3. Pteridophytes participated in passing various traits to other plants, for example, vascular traits.
4. Pteridophytes were the first vascular plants on land, they have specialized conducting systems which include both xylem and phloem for the supply of food and water.
5. Thus, their evolutionary significance lies in the fact that they are the first successful terrestrial plants with true roots, stems, and leaves.