1. Coniferophyta Conifers are often called evergreens, even though not all are truly evergreen

2. Characteristics  Most are trees with a single trunk and many side branches  Some grow as shrubs  Leaves are needle-like or scale- like  Can survive extreme conditions such as drought, high winds, heat and cold

4. Adaptations  Evergreen – most conifers keeps their needles year round  This allows plants growing in areas with a short growing season to photosynthesize as soon as conditions are right, without having to expend energy and time growing new leaves

5. Adaptations  Needle-like or scale-like leaves reduce water loss  Stomata are tucked away inside the needle and close as needed  Leaves are coated in cutin to retain water

7. Adaptations  Flexible branches – leaves trap snow that can snap stiff branches  The flexible branches of evergreens allow snow to slide off when it becomes too heavy

9. Reproduction  Most reproductive structures are in cones  Most have male and female cones on different branches of the same tree  All conifers are wind pollinated