What Global Climatic Change Gave Gymnosperms An Advantage Over Ferns
Climate change has been a major factor in the evolution of plants. Global climate change has had a profound effect on the evolution and diversity of plants, and one of the major effects has been the rise of the gymnosperms, which gave them a major advantage over their competitors, the ferns.
The Rise of Gymnosperms
Gymnosperms are a group of plants that have evolved to survive in a changing environment. They are characterized by their ability to reproduce without the need for water, as they produce their seeds in the form of cones. This allowed them to spread and populate new habitats, as well as survive in changing climates.
Ferns and Their Limitations
Ferns, on the other hand, rely on water to reproduce. This means that they are limited in the habitats they can inhabit, and their ability to spread and evolve is limited by their reliance on water. As the climate changed and temperatures rose, ferns were unable to adapt to the changing environment, while gymnosperms were able to spread and evolve.
Gymnosperm Advantages
Gymnosperms have several advantages over ferns. They are able to survive in drier environments, and they are also more resistant to fire and drought. They are also able to take advantage of the increased amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which helps them grow faster and better than ferns.
Conclusion
Climate change has had a profound effect on the evolution of plants, and has given gymnosperms a major advantage over their competitors, the ferns. Gymnosperms are more resistant to fire and drought, can survive in drier environments, and can take advantage of the increased amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This has allowed them to spread and evolve in a changing environment, while ferns have been unable to adapt.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.