Bryophytes, Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Three out of the four species of plants in Kingdom Plantae all have similarities and differences amongst one another.
Some similarities between the Bryophytes/ Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms are that all of them have features like an archegonium and an antheridium. All three use both processes of mitosis and meiosis to create reproductive units. The reproductive units that are created are all wind-borne (can travel through the wind) between the three. As time went on and evolution took place more and more differences rose between these species. The Gymnosperms developed naked seeds to protect their embryo and developed pollen which contain the male sperm and gametophyte for easier reproduction, as they have eliminated the need for water. Having pollen also creates more genetic diversity amongst the species so they can survive in all biomes, as they don't have to rely on asexual reproduction. Unlike the Bryophytes, the gymnosperms continue to be vascular by having water and nutrient transport systems like phloems and xylems. Their life cycle is dominated by the sporophyte stage like the Pteridophytes, also resulting in the reduction of the gametophyte which protects the delicate egg and embryo in protective sporophyte stage. True roots are seen for the first time which allows the gymnosperms to live in dryer conditions where water is not as abundant. The leaves have now modified into needles decreasing water loss and the resins inside the needles act as a natural antifreeze, making them the dominant tree of the northern temperate zones. As time went on the gymnosperms evolved into a stronger and more land efficient plant.
Some similarities between the Bryophytes/ Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms are that all of them have features like an archegonium and an antheridium. All three use both processes of mitosis and meiosis to create reproductive units. The reproductive units that are created are all wind-borne (can travel through the wind) between the three. As time went on and evolution took place more and more differences rose between these species. The Gymnosperms developed naked seeds to protect their embryo and developed pollen which contain the male sperm and gametophyte for easier reproduction, as they have eliminated the need for water. Having pollen also creates more genetic diversity amongst the species so they can survive in all biomes, as they don't have to rely on asexual reproduction. Unlike the Bryophytes, the gymnosperms continue to be vascular by having water and nutrient transport systems like phloems and xylems. Their life cycle is dominated by the sporophyte stage like the Pteridophytes, also resulting in the reduction of the gametophyte which protects the delicate egg and embryo in protective sporophyte stage. True roots are seen for the first time which allows the gymnosperms to live in dryer conditions where water is not as abundant. The leaves have now modified into needles decreasing water loss and the resins inside the needles act as a natural antifreeze, making them the dominant tree of the northern temperate zones. As time went on the gymnosperms evolved into a stronger and more land efficient plant.