Frøplanters

Frøplanters, also known as Spermatophytes, represent the most diverse and dominant group of plants on Earth today. They are characterized by their ability to produce seeds, which are a defining feature and a key to their evolutionary success. Seeds provide a protected environment for the developing embryo and a food source, allowing for dispersal and germination under a wider range of conditions than spore-bearing plants.

The life cycle of frøplanters involves alternation of generations, with a dominant sporophyte stage. This sporophyte is the familiar, large, diploid plant. Within the sporophyte, spores are produced, which develop into small, short-lived gametophytes. In seed plants, the male gametophyte produces pollen, and the female gametophyte develops within ovules. Fertilization occurs when pollen reaches the ovule, leading to the formation of a zygote that develops into an embryo within the seed.

Frøplanters are broadly divided into two main groups: gymnosperms and angiosperms. Gymnosperms, meaning "naked seeds," include conifers, cycads, ginkgoes, and gnetophytes. Their seeds are typically borne exposed on the scales of cones or similar structures. Angiosperms, or flowering plants, are characterized by their production of flowers and fruits. The flowers are involved in reproduction, and the fruits develop from the ovary and enclose the seeds, aiding in their dispersal. Angiosperms are by far the most speciose group of frøplanters, dominating most terrestrial ecosystems. Their diversity and adaptability are a testament to the evolutionary advantages conferred by seeds, flowers, and fruits.