Monophyletic: All are descendants of a common ancestor.

They all have one synapomorphy: The development from an embryo protected by tissues of the parent plant; also called embryophytes.

Chlorophyll a and b

Starch used as a storage product

Cellulose in the cell walls

7 clades of 10, form a clade of their own

All have water conducting cells called tracheids.

Remaining 3 clades, do not form a clade

liverworts, hornworts, and mosses

Appeared 400-500 mya

Adapted to dry land by evolving a vascular system, as well as methods to disperse gametes.

Cuticle- composed of waxy lipids to prevent water loss by evaporation.

Gametangia enclosing gametes

Embryos in a protective structure

Pigments that protect against UV radiation.

Spore Walls containing sporopollenin

Mutualistic relationships with fungus.

Early plants secreted acids to break down rock, added to soil formation when died.

Grew in mats, water by capillary action, minerals by diffusion.

Mutualistic relationship with fungi called glomeromycetes, which promoted absorbtion of water and minerals.

Haploid specialized sex organs.

Female: Archegonium, produces one egg

Male: Antheridium, produces many sperm, 2 flagella each

Xylem conducts water and minerals from soil up to aerial parts of plant. Some cells have lignin-provides support.

Phloem conducts products of photosynthesis through plant.

Tracheids are the main water-conducting element in xylem.

Transport of water and minerals

Rigid structural support

Branching independent sporophyte

Mature sporophyte is nutritionally independent of gametophyte.