The plant lineage split off about 1.65 billion years ago. These are the ancestors of the first true plants which emerged about 470 million years ago. Their defining innovation was retaining and protecting the embryo, supported by adaptations like a waxy cuticle to prevent water loss. Much later, some plant lineages returned to aquatic environments, though most plants remain terrestrial today.
Embryophytes: First True Plants
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Embryophytes: First True Plants
470 Million Years Ago (+/- 10 million)
Early water transport
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Around 470 million years ago, plants evolved a waxy cuticle to prevent water loss; only later did water-transporting vascular systems evolve.
Subject: Plant Evolution.
By about 470 million years ago, plants evolved a waxy cuticle to prevent water loss. Later they evolved water-transporting vascular systems. Survival comes before success. The first plants did not conquer the continents with towering trunks. They simply learned how not to dry out.
Flashcard.
What key adaptation helped early plants survive on land?.
Answer. A waxy cuticle to reduce water loss..
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