1. Chapter 8 Section 4
Gymnosperms

2. Gymnosperms A seed plant that produces naked seeds
Not enclosed by a protective fruit
Many gymnosperms have needle-like or scale-like leaves, and deep-growing root systems
Oldest type of seed plant

3. Grow mainly in tropical and subtropical areas
Cycads
Grow mainly in tropical and subtropical areas
Look like palm trees with cones
Cone can grow as large as a football

4. Conifers Cone-bearing Largest and most diverse group of gymnosperms
Most keep their needles year round

5. Ginkgoes Only one species exists today, Ginkgo biloba
Chinese and Japanese cared for it in their gardens
Planted along city streets because they can tolerate air pollution

6. Live in hot deserts and in tropical rain forests
Gnetophytes
Live in hot deserts and in tropical rain forests
Trees, shrubs, and vines

7. Reproduction of Gymnosperms
Cones: reproductive structures in most gymnosperms
Males cones
Produce tiny grains of pollen (the male gametophyte)
Later become sperm cells
Female Cones
Ovule: female gametophyte
Contains egg cell
Develops into seed

8. Gymnosperm Reproduction
Pollen falls from male cone onto female cone
Sperm cell and egg cell join together in an ovule on the female cone
After fertilization, the seed develops on the scale of the female cone

9. Pollination
Transfer of pollen from male reproductive structure to female reproductive structure
Wind often carries the pollen

10. Fertilization
Once pollination occurs, the ovule closes and seals in the pollen
Sperm cell and egg cell are inside each ovule
The egg is fertilized and develops into the embryo

11. Seed Development Female cones remain on tree while seeds mature
Can take up to 2 years
Male cones usually fall off tree after they shed their pollen

12. Seed Dispersal When seeds mature, scales open
Wind shakes seed out of cone and carries them away
Only a few seeds will land in suitable place

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