Ferns: The Emergence of Roots and Stems

The video tutorial explains the evolution and characteristics of ferns, a type of vascular plant. Ferns are more advanced than lycophytes, having true roots and stems. They exhibit diverse forms, from small herbaceous plants to large tree ferns. Ferns reproduce through spores, with a dominant sporophyte generation. The lifecycle includes gametophytes, which are small and short-lived. Ferns can also reproduce vegetatively via rhizomes. The tutorial concludes by transitioning to more complex vascular plants.

Which of the following features distinguishes ferns from lycophytes?

• Ability to produce seeds

• Lack of vascular tissue

• Presence of microphylls

• True roots and stems

During which geological period did most modern fern groups appear?

• Triassic

• Jurassic

• Cretaceous

• Permian

What is the primary function of sori on the underside of fern leaves?

• Water absorption

• Spore production

• Nutrient storage

• Photosynthesis

How do fern gametophytes typically attach to the soil?

• With rhizoids

• With roots

• With leaves

• With stems

What is a unique feature of the fern sporophyte generation?

• Annual growth cycle

• Lack of vascular tissue

• Production of seeds

• Fiddlehead structure