I selected links that provide images of Gymnosperms similar to those observed in laboratory. Review the links as you prepare for lab and as you study for your lab exam.

Reminder: Bring one branch of a Conifer with cones with you to the Gymnosperm lab. Where to collect a Conifer branch with cones?

In lab you are asked to focus on the following:

1. Sample the diversity of Cycads, Ginkgo, Gnetophyta and Conifers and learn to recognize the characteristics of each division.
2. Examine in detail the stages in the reproductive cycle of a Pine.

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Where to collect a Conifer branch with cones

Most of the conifers are evergreen plants and many produce woody cones that persist on the tree for long periods of time. For these reasons, you should have little difficulty locating a variety of different Conifers on the Kean University campus.

Although Pines are among the most common conifers in our area, there are very few pines on campus, and it is not easy to collect branches with cones from those we do have. If you read lab exercise 14 you will note that locations are mentioned for some deciduous conifers ( Metasequoia, Larch). You may elect to collect from one of these trees even if the leaves have dropped. If you do so, try to bring a sample of the fallen foliage with you.

The larch tree directly outside of the Biology Office usually has cones that are easy to reach and that can be cut without damaging the appearance of the tree.

Whatever you collect, take only a small sample and please use proper pruning techniques when collecting your specimen. Do not collect specimens from private property without receiving permission from the owner.

Prepare in advance by looking at the examples on the website, illustrations in your text, and illustrations in other reference books.

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Assignment

           Assignment for Laboratory Exercise 14 - Gymnosperms
 
 

1.   Collect and bring to laboratory a Conifer branch with cones.
     Display your specimen at your desk.

2.  Examine the materials on display in the room. These will
     include living and preserved specimens representing
     diversity of Gymnosperms; type specimens of the Divisions
     Ginkgophyta (Maidenhair Tree), Cycadophyta (Cycads), and
     Pinophyta (Conifers); and living specimens and prepared
     slides to illustrate the reproductive pattern of Pine.

3.   Learn the major characteristics of the Divisions
     Ginkgophyta, Cycadophyta and Pinophyta. Use Ginkgo biloba
     (Cycadophyta), Zamia (Cycadophyta)  and Pinus (Pinophyta)
      to represent these divisions.

4.   Examine the vegetative characteristics of Pine. Dissect a
     vegetative bud longitudinally and observe next year's stems
     with pine needles. Examine a prepared section of a pine leaf
     (Pine leaf, c.s.).

5.   Dissect fresh female cones to observe ovules (1st year cones)
     and seeds (2nd or 3rd year cones) of Pine. Observe microsporangia
     and pollen (microgametophytes) as well as megasporangia and
     megagametophytes in prepared slides of Pine.

6.   Label the Pine diagrams (Figure 14.5 and 14.6) and color them
     as directed on page 14-2.

7.   Prepare for a quiz.