Definitions
What is an angiosperm?
flowering plants that bear fruits and plants
What was the Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution?
A significant period during which angiosperms rapidly expanded and heavily influenced global biodiversity.
Angiosperms influence climate by increasing the weathering of bedrock, which helps do what?
Angiosperms influence climate by increasing the weathering of bedrock, which helps reduce the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.
What was the ultimate findings of Figure 1- hint the one with the time biodiversity plot?
“There isn’t an appropriate method or sufficient data to estimate the past diversity of these clades, new fossil findings or phylogenetic analysis could easily change their results.”
What is diversification?
the process where a single species or population evolves into multiple distinct forms often leading to the development of new species through the accumulation of genetic variations and adaptations to different environmental conditions
What plot/scale did authors use to track the rise and fall of major plant and animal groups?
Time biodiversity plot
If angiosperms in South America were replaced by gymnosperms, models suggest what would happen?
The tropical rainforests would reduce to 20% of its current size
What are two reasons why angiosperms became dominant over gymnosperms?
Efficient water transport and double fertilization
What is plant productivity?
When authors attempted to estimate past biodiversity, they based their models on what 2 sources of data?
1) molecular phylogenies and 2) molecular phylogenies and fossil diversity estimates.
What two benefits come from angiosperms being highly productive?
1) they outcompete gymnosperms pushing them to harsher climates
2) They contribute to a huge increase in global productivity over time. Their high productivity influences then herbivores and ecosystem structures.
What key adaptation in angiosperms allowed for increased rates of transpiration and higher photosynthesis?
High Vein Density