Summary of asexual reproduction in plants:

1. Cloning: Part of plant is underground. (potato, carrot). Instead of seeds falling, much faster. Uses plant part, not seed. Plants can, humans cant.

2. Non-flowering plants only reproduce this way.

 

Seed growth and adaptations:

• Growth:

1. Spermatophytes divided into gymnosperms and angiosperms.

2. Angiosperm seeds developed inside fruit.  Seed consists of an embryo, tissue to provide nutrients, and a protective coat.

3. Embryo forms root and shoot system.  Once seed and seed coat absorb water, embryo grows rapidly.  Root grows downward, shoot grows upward.

• Adaptations:

1. Being stationary creates problem.  Seedlings would have to compete for light, water, and minerals.

2. Evolution creates mechanisms for dispersal of seeds. 

• Hooks or spines that attach to animals.

• Some fruits are both attractive and nutritious to animals and seeds passed through digestive tract (fertilizer).

• Blowing in wind (dandelions).

• Birds carry seeds far distance.

• Chipmunks and squirrels burying seeds as food supply is example of seed dispersal.

 

 

Sandner, L., & Ellis, C. (2011). Pearson investigating science BiologySource 11. Toronto: Pearson Education Canada.