Demo Module

The Colonization of Land

The algal ancestors of modern land plants faced many challenges when they first moved onto land. Extant bryophytes have a life cycle and morphology that is similar to these early colonist, and illustrates some solutions to the challenges of leaving the water behind. In this module, we examine the diversity of modern bryophytes and study the solutions that they employ to life history problems of growth, mating, and dispersal.

Objectives

By the end of this module,you will be able to:

Draw the phylogeny of green algae and land plants
List key adaptations to life on land
Explain the importance of interactions with other species in the colonization of land

Learning Activities

Lesson 1

Watch The Sister Group to the Land Plants (18:20) PDF
Sketch the phylogeny of plants in Individual Assignment.
Read Chapter 3.
Discuss a Paradox and share your answers within your small group in Discussion.
Complete GoFlag Activity: Bog Bodies

Lesson 2

Watch Mosses (23:23) (Links to an external site.) PDF
Discuss why the chloroplast was lost in the ommycetes in Peer-reviewed Activity.
Read sex-specific volatile compounds influence microarthropod-mediated fertilization of moss by Rosenstiel et al. (2012) and reflect on the article by answering the question in Reflection.

Lesson 3

Watch Hornworts (Anthocerophytes) (11:27) PDF
Join a collaborative work to study on chloroplasts in Group Work.
- Complete your peer review.
Attend Laboratory to improve your knowledge of Parasites and Symbionts.
- Submit your journal in Lab Journal Submission.
Check your understanding in Quiz.

Supplemental Materials

Liverwort Sperm Dispersal (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Liverwort Sporophyte Development (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
Moss Releasing Spores (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.