Why are early plants dependent on water?

Plants are an essential part of the Earth's ecosystem, and they play an important role in producing oxygen, cleaning the air, and providing a natural habitat for wildlife. While modern-day plants have adapted to a range of environments, early plants were heavily dependent on water for their survival. In this article, we will explore the reasons why early plants were dependent on water.

Chemical processes of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process that plants use to convert sunlight into energy. In this process, plants absorb carbon dioxide and water through stomata, specialized pores located on the leaves. The absorbed water and carbon dioxide undergo a series of chemical reactions that, with the help of light, result in the creation of glucose, a simple sugar that serves as fuel for the plant. Because early plants lacked the kind of protective cuticles and protective structures found in modern plants, they had to stay close to water sources to ensure they could absorb the necessary water and nutrients to undergo photosynthesis and produce the energy they needed for survival.

Need for fertilization

Early plants were heavily dependent on water for fertilization. Unlike modern-day plants, these early species lacked the structures known as flowers and relied on external fertilization for reproduction. For plants to successfully reproduce, they needed their sperm cells to be transported to the egg cells via water or air currents. By relying on water for fertilization, early plants were able to reproduce and continue their species' existence.

Water transport and cooling

Another reason why early plants were dependent on water was because of its ability to transport water and nutrients and protect the plants from overheating. This is because water can move quickly from one point to another, wetting and cooling the plant in the process. Modern plants have developed structures such as xylem and phloem that are capable of efficiently transporting water and nutrients throughout the plant's tissues, but early plants did not have these adaptations. Moreover, as early plants did not have the complex vascular systems in place to transport water, they had to rely on water sources found nearby for these essential functions.

Conclusion

Early plants were heavily dependent on water for the vital functions of photosynthesis, fertilization, and water transport. Without the help of water, early species would not have been able to survive and evolve into the diverse and complex plant life we see today. Even as plants continue to adapt and evolve, water remains an essential component of their survival and growth, and it is a resource that we must work to preserve.