Organism 3
Field Notes: Specimen collected from shaded area along stream in South Cumberland State Park (Grundy County, TN)
Laboratory Analysis:
Body: Large leaves emerging from underground rhizome
Size: 63cm
Chromosomal Analysis: Plant body is diploid --chromosomes number of 44
Lignin test: Positive
Cuticle: Present
Leaves: Present -- large with branched veins. Underside has sori(containing haploid spores)
Roots: Present-----branch from the inside
Stem:Present--- vascular tissue(xylem and phloem)present
Life History: Diploid sporophyte dominant generation. Haploid spores germinate into heart-shaped, haploid, gametophyte. Water required for fertilization due to flagellated sperm; no seed is produced. Diploid zygote develops into sporophyte of life ---each bearing ether megasporangia or microsporangia but not both. Insects, especially beetles, appear important in pollination
Question: Explain which domain, kingdom and phylum you believe this plant should be classified in.
Communication: The local media features the work of your team on their nightly news. During a live interview the reporter asks you " Apparently this plant requires water for fertilization, can you explain, can you explain why"?
Response: ------------------------