1. The Plant Kingdom
E.Q: What are the characteristics of the plant kingdom? How are plants classified?

2. The Plant Kingdom
Plants are multicellular autotrophs that are mostly found on land

3. Characteristics of the Plant Kingdom
Challenges to Living on Land
Adaptations
Obtaining water and other nutrients
Roots absorb water and nutrients from soil
Shoots bare leaves
Roots and shoots are made of vascular tissue
Supporting their bodies
Production of lignin a chemical that hardens plant cell walls

4. Characteristics of the Plant Kingdom
Challenges to Living on Land
Adaptations
Maintaining moisture
Waxy cuticle (water proof layer on leaves)
Stomata prevent water loss from evaporation. Close when the air is too warm
Reproduction
Adapted to protect the gametes (eggs/sperm) from drying out
Means for dispersal (carried by wind or animals

5. Classifying Plants
Nonvascular – plants that lack a well developed system for transporting water and minerals. Vascular – plants with true vascular tissue

6. Plants Life Cycle
Plants have a complex life cycle that includes 2 different stages:
Sporophyte stage: plant produces spores, tiny cells that grow into new organisms
Gametophyte Stage: plant produces two kinds of cells sperm cells (pollen) and egg cells.