The mosses and ferns both require water to enable the sperm to travel to the egg and fertilize it. Does this indicate that the ferns and mosses have a close relation to water plants? Explain your reasoning.
What do you think? Were do new plants come from? How?
Yes, the fact that both mosses and ferns require water for sperm to travel and fertilize an egg does suggest a close relation to water plants. This is because water is crucial for the reproductive process in these plants, and their reliance on water for the movement of sperm indicates an adaptation to aquatic or moist environments.
To further explore this reasoning and confirm the relationship between mosses, ferns, and water plants, one can look at the characteristics and life cycles of these plants. Mosses and ferns belong to a group of plants known as bryophytes and pteridophytes, respectively.
Bryophytes, including mosses, lack true roots and stems, and they reproduce by spores. They require a moist environment for reproduction because their sperm cells need water to swim to the egg and fertilize it. This is known as the process of "external fertilization." The presence of water is crucial for their reproductive success.
Similarly, pteridophytes, which include ferns, have true roots, stems, and leaves. They also reproduce by spores, and their sperm cells also require water to swim to the egg and accomplish fertilization. Without water, the sperm in both mosses and ferns would not be able to reach the egg, hindering reproduction.
Water plants are a diverse group of plants that share the common characteristic of being adapted to aquatic environments. They typically have structures to absorb and transport water as well as adaptability to water movements.
While mosses and ferns may not be considered typical water plants, their reliance on water for reproductive success and the need for a moist environment suggest an affinity to water or a common adaptation to environments with ample water availability. This could be further supported by exploring the distribution and habitats of mosses and ferns, which often include damp or aquatic areas such as riverbanks, swamps, and rainforests.
In summary, the requirement of water for the movement of sperm and successful reproduction in both mosses and ferns does indicate a close relationship or adaptation to water plants. However, it's important to note that mosses and ferns have their unique characteristics and lifestyles, making them distinct from typical water plants.