Tracheophytes, Their Features, Their Major Groups

Tracheophytes, also known as vascular plants, are a group of plants that have specialized tissues for the transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant body. This allows them to grow taller and larger than non-vascular plants. Tracheophytes can be further classified into two major groups: seedless and seed-bearing plants.

Features of Tracheophytes

Vascular Tissue

Tracheophytes have specialized tissues for the transport of water and nutrients throughout the plant body. The two types of vascular tissues are xylem and phloem.

Roots

Tracheophytes have true roots, which are specialized structures that anchor the plant in the soil and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

Leaves

Tracheophytes have leaves, which are specialized organs that capture sunlight for photosynthesis. Leaves are usually broad and flat, and contain specialized cells called stomata that allow for gas exchange.

Reproduction

Tracheophytes reproduce through spores or seeds. Seed-bearing plants have male and female reproductive organs and produce seeds, while seedless plants reproduce through spores.

Dominance of Sporophyte

The sporophyte stage is the dominant stage in the life cycle of tracheophytes, unlike bryophytes where the gametophyte stage is dominant.

Major groups of Tracheophytes

Seedless Plants

This group includes ferns, horsetails, and club mosses. These plants reproduce through spores and have vascular tissue for the transport of water and nutrients.

Seed-Bearing Plants

This group includes gymnosperms and angiosperms. Gymnosperms include conifers, cycads, and ginkgoes, and have seeds that are not enclosed in a fruit. Angiosperms, also known as flowering plants, have seeds that are enclosed in a fruit.

Tracheophytes are a diverse group of plants that have evolved several adaptations that allow them to thrive in a variety of habitats. These adaptations include specialized vascular tissue, roots, leaves, and reproductive structures. The two major groups of tracheophytes, seedless and seed-bearing plants, have distinct characteristics and reproductive strategies.