1. Vascular Plants With Seeds
Divided into two Groups

2. The Two Groups
Gymnosperms (with 3 phyla)
Angiosperms (with 1 phylum)

3. Phylum Coniferophyta Often called gymnosperms
Gymnosperms: the seed plants that do not first produce a flower before the seed
Means “naked seed” – produce seeds not covered by the walls of an ovary
Do not form flowers or fruits
Produce cones or cone-like structures
Conifer refers to the cones
All conifers produce seeds in cones

4. Two Types of Cones
Staminate and Ovulate

5. Staminate Cones The pollen-producing cones
Small, green, and inconspicuous near the tips of the branches
Shed after the pollen season is over

6. Ovulate Cones The seed-producing cones Larger than staminate cones
Size range: 1-2 inches
Woody structures consisting of layers of cone scales
Seeds develop between the cone scales
Seeds are generally winged
Ovulate Cones

7. Pine Tree Life Cycle Tree produces cones
Pollen is carried by the wind from staminate cones to ovulate cones
Pollen lands on the open scales of the ovulate cone
The scales then close tightly (in many pines the cone begins to point downward
Ovum is fertilized
When the seeds are mature and environmental conditions are right, scales open and release seeds

9. Noteworthy Conifers: Douglas-fir
The Douglas-fir, named for David Douglas, a 19th century Scottish botanist. Great strength, stiffness and moderate weight make it an invaluable timber product said to be stronger than concrete. Averaging up to 200' in height and six feet in diameter, heights of 325' and diameters of 15' can also be found.
Provide more than ¼ of the timber cut in the U.S.

10. Noteworthy Conifers: Sequoia
In central California
Some are among the oldest living things on earth (2,000 – 3,500 years)
273 feet tall
84 feet circumference
Bark 1 foot thick

11. Noteworthy Conifers: Bristlecone Pines
The oldest living bristlecones are found in the White Mountains of California. The oldest known living tree, discovered in 1957, is a 4,723-year-old patriarch named Methuselah.
The oldest bristlecones are more than 4,000 years old. Egypt’s pyramids were under construction when these trees were seedlings!

12. Noteworthy Conifers: Coast Redwood
Redwood trees are the tallest living things on earth.
Some grow more than 350 feet tall.