Thallophyta

The idea

Thallophytes (algae) are the simplest plants, found in water or moist places; their simple undifferentiated body, the thallus, exchanges gases, nutrients and water directly with the surroundings.

Green and slimy

A pond alga has a simple body, with no separate parts for different jobs.

How do you think such a simple body takes in water and gases?

• Directly from the surroundings
• Through long roots
• Through flowers

The thallus

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A simple body

The thallus is a simple body that does not have parts for different jobs. Because it is in water or moist places, it can take in and give out gases, nutrients and water directly. This suits thallophytes to life in water.

Thallophytes (algae) are the simplest plants, found in water or moist places; their simple undifferentiated body, the thallus, exchanges gases, nutrients and water directly with the surroundings.

Notes

Thallophytes are the simplest plants. Their undifferentiated body, the thallus, exchanges gases, nutrients and water directly with the surroundings.

Check yourself

What is the body of a thallophyte called?

Where are thallophytes mostly found?

How does a thallus exchange gases, nutrients and water?

Which is an example of Thallophyta given in the book?

• A thallus — correct. Yes!
• A rhizoid. Rhizoids are the root-like structures of bryophytes.
• A mycelium. A mycelium is the network of filaments in a fungus.
• On cones of tall trees. Cones belong to gymnosperms.
• In water or moist places — correct. Yes!
• In dry places away from water. Thallophytes are mostly found in water or moist environments.
• Through xylem and phloem. Xylem and phloem are the vascular tissues of pteridophytes.
• Through flowers and fruits. Flowers and fruits belong to angiosperms.
• Directly with the surroundings — correct. Yes!
• Spirogyra — correct. Yes!
• Marchantia. Marchantia is an example of a bryophyte.
• Fern. Ferns are pteridophytes.