How is the transition to flowering plants from non-flowering plants an evolutionary adaptation?

[petrushka.googol]

How is the transition to flowering plants from non-flowering plants an evolutionary adaptation and what benefits does it afford to the ecosystem in general ?

[chadn737]

How is the transition to flowering plants from non-flowering plants an evolutionary adaptation and what benefits does it afford to the ecosystem in general ?

 

Homework question?

[Robittybob1]

How is the transition to flowering plants from non-flowering plants an evolutionary adaptation and what benefits does it afford to the ecosystem in general ?

What is the stage before flowering plants? Don't just say non-flowering plants, what sort of plants are they and how did they reproduce?

[Strange]

How is the transition to flowering plants from non-flowering plants an evolutionary adaptation

 

I don't understand the question. "How"? The usual way: variability, heritabilty and selection.

 

But there is a complete range of transitional forms between plants that form spores on leaves, those that have specialised seed forming parts, those that then surround those with distinctive leaves (colours and smells), those that go on to form recognisable flowers (and everything in between).

 

The advantage is, presumably, to attract animals that will pollinate and/or disperse the seeds.

 

 

and what benefits does it afford to the ecosystem in general ?

 

I don't know about "benefits" (does that make sense when talking about evolution?) but there will be various species that co-evolve to pollinate and feed on particular plants. Then predators (including plants) that feed on those. And organisms that imitate the predators and ...

[Robittybob1]

 

I don't understand the question. "How"? The usual way: variability, heritabilty and selection.

 

But there is a complete range of transitional forms between plants that form spores on leaves, those that have specialised seed forming parts, those that then surround those with distinctive leaves (colours and smells), those that go on to form recognisable flowers (and everything in between).

 

The advantage is, presumably, to attract animals that will pollinate and/or disperse the seeds.

 

 

I don't know about "benefits" (does that make sense when talking about evolution?) but there will be various species that co-evolve to pollinate and feed on particular plants. Then predators (including plants) that feed on those. And organisms that imitate the predators and ...

Benefit = advantage I'd say. So insects being able to fly long distances would in some way select for plants that produced the right colours and nectars and kept crossing the best with the best. That was the thought today how bees and other pollinators helped perpetuate the development of flowering plants for their own advantage as well.

Does it pass?

[petrushka.googol]

My open ended question is this : When reproduction was primarily by means of spores the species flourished. How did flowering plants change this equation ? Insect pollination introduces one more variable of uncertainty and it is not clear how this would actually help the species thrive and survive.

[Strange]

My open ended question is this : When reproduction was primarily by means of spores the species flourished. How did flowering plants change this equation ? Insect pollination introduces one more variable of uncertainty and it is not clear how this would actually help the species thrive and survive.

 

I guess one advantage is that it increases greater opportiunities for diversity. Plants that spread by spores can only be cross-pollinated by the wind. Plants that use bees or other animals, can cross-pollinate over a much wider area. Also, the pollination is more targeted (efficient). Instead of just releasing some pollen into the air and hoping tjhat some reaches another suitable plant, it is carried from one flower to another. I'm sure that there are many more advantages (and some disadvantages).

[Robittybob1]

My open ended question is this : When reproduction was primarily by means of spores the species flourished. How did flowering plants change this equation ? Insect pollination introduces one more variable of uncertainty and it is not clear how this would actually help the species thrive and survive.

Has climate changed, so with the shortening of the growing season, flowering plants are assisted by insect pollinators who have also evolved ways of surviving over winter.