Biology : Plant Kingdom

A hill station city had abundance of different species of lichens a few years back. Since it has turned a busy tourist spot very few lichens are found there.

(a)What could be the possible reason for this?
(b) What measures are to be taken to conserve lichens?

Briefly, explain the pattern of lifecycle followed by 

a. All bryophytes
b. All pteridophytes

With the help of a schematic diagram describe the haplo-diptontic life cycle pattern in plants

The plant body in higher plants is well differentiated and well developed. Roots are the organs used for the purpose of absorption. What is the equivalent of roots in the less developed lower plants?

Ectocarpus shows which type of lifecycle

Heterospory i.e., formation of two types of spores – microspores and megaspores is a characteristic feature in the life cycle of a few members of pteridophytes and all spermatophytes. Do you think heterospory has some evolutionary significance in plant kingdom?

Cytotaxonomy is based on which factors?

Each plant or group of plants has some phylogenetic significance in relation to evolution : Cycas, one of the few living members of gymnosperms is called as the ‘relic of past’. Can you establish a phylogenetic relationship of Cycas with any other group of plants that
justifies the above statement?

In which plant will you look for mycorrhiza and coralloid roots? Also, explain what these terms mean.

Lichen is usually cited as an example of ‘symbiosis’ in plants where an algal and a fungal species live together for their mutual benefit. Which of the following will happen if algal and fungal partners are separated from
each other?
a. Both will survive and grow normally and independent from each other.
b. Both will die
c. Algal component will survive while the fungal component will die.
d. Fungal component will survive while algal partner will die.