Evolution of Gymnosperms

May 13, 2024 | by Bloom Code Studio

Gymnosperms originated during the late paleozoic era and evolved from the late Paleozoic to the Mesozoic era (about 390 million years ago).
Gymnosperms are of monophyletic origin and are a group of those plants which are known as Progymnosperms (woody spore-bearing plants but not producing seeds).
Progymnosperms gave rise to Aneurophytes (producing identical spores) that give rise to Pteriodosperms (produced seed) and Archaeptridales.
Petriodosperms are found in the late Devonian period, the earliest seed plant known is the fossil plant Elkinsia polymorpha. They developed structures called cupules to enclose and protect the ovule.
Archaepteridales develop into the Cordaitales and Voltziaes, Cordaitales are trees and shrubs that develop in the Carboniferous and Permian periods. They contain ovulate cones and cambium tissue.
Phylum Ginkgophyte evolved from Cordaitales, which persist to the present day.
Gingko biloba is the first gymnosperms to appear during the lower Jurassic period.
Bennettitales is a group of pteridosperm which represent the present Cycades.

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