Life Cycle Changes in the Ferns, Moss, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms Singh Rishan Discipline of Biological Sciences, UKZN, Durban, Republic of South Africa, 4001, rshnsingh1@yahoo.com or rshnsingh1@webmail.co.za Online published on 2 July, 2019. Abstract During the lifespan of ferns, moss, gymnosperms and angiosperms, a variety of changes occur. These changes are characteristic for these different plants. However, the formation of a gametophyte, and the process of gametogenesis, can be considered central to all plant life. In addition, all plants must form an embryo and zygote post-fertilisation, with lifecycle changes beginning with the mature sporophyte. Although lifecycle changes of the ferns, moss, gymnosperms and angiosperms have been discussed in the scientific literature, very little has been done to contrast and lineate these processes amongst all 4 types of the plant kingdom plantae. The lifecycle changes of all 4 plant types are unique to each plant, and would form the skeleton of this paper. Intertwined with these changes, variable structures and the formation of the zygote or mature gametophyte will be discussed for each of the four mentioned plants. Top Keywords Sporophyte, sori, antheridium, archegonium, seta, capsule, calyptra, protonema, cones, pollen, mitosis, meiosis, seed dispersal, flowers. Top |