Introduction to the Tracheophytes

PODCAST OUTLINE: THE CLUB MOSSES (LYCOPODIOPHYTA)

1. Introductory comments

A. How different from bryophyte mosses

B. How different from seed plants

C. Vegetative features

D. Significance of common name

E. Quillworts

2. Classification relative to ferns and seed plants

A. Older classification

B. Newer classification

3. Habitat preferences

4. Features of clubmoss sporophyte

A. External features

1. Rooted clubmosses

2. Epiphytic clubmosses

B. Internal features 5. Reproductive attributes of sporophyte

A. Strobili

B. Sporangia

C. Spores

6. Gametophyte features

7. Ecological attributes

8. Economic importance

9. Resurrection plants

10. Fossil clubmosses Questions

What main features distinguish clubmosses from bryophytes? From seed plants?

Explain how our thinking of clubmoss phylogeny has changed over time.

Where would be the best place to find clubmosses in Pennsylvania?

Describe the clubmoss sporophyte in terms of stems, leaves, and roots

Explain the significance of strobili, sporangia, and spores in clubmoss reproduction.

What is the nature of the clubmoss gametophyte? How does it compare to that of mosses?

What do we know about fossil clubmosses? Are they economically important?