StMU Research Scholars

Featuring Scholarly Research, Writing, and Media at St. Mary's University
April 21, 2023

Evolutionary Adaptations of Ferns and Horsetails

I would like to thank Dr. Shackleford for helping me to edit, and publish this infographic on the topic of the evolutionary story of ferns and horsetails.

Melina Escobedo-Orozco

I am 22 years old, and currently a junior at St. Mary's University. Although I was born in Pomona, California, I reside here in San Antonio, TX and have lived here since I was 7. I earned my associate's degree in June 2022 at Northwest Vista College, where I majored in criminal justice. After earning my associate's degree, I transferred to St. Mary's and changed my major to forensic science criminology with a minor in biology. I aspire to earn my bachelor's degree by Fall 2024. After I earn my bachelor's degree, I'm deciding if I want to earn a master's degree in a different field. I am passionate about learning, although, I am eager to start my career in the field of forensic science. My dream career is a forensic technician, or a medical examiner. With the support of my family, I know that I can achieve my dream career as soon as I graduate from St. Mary's University.

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Recent Comments

12 comments

  • Xavier Bohorquez

    I enjoyed this infographic a lot and appreciated the planning of how organized and visual this is. Reading the information and seeing how far history has come from 360 million years ago, I can see how leaves and the history they have in our world history shows how far and much we know of them.

  • Victoria Dubois

    The publication is both informative and engaging, making it a great read. It serves as a warning to stay alert, which is valuable. Although it contains a lot of text, the presentation is neat and well-organized, and it’s not overwhelming to read. Congratulations on a job well done!

  • Karicia Gallegos

    Congrats on your nomination! It was a great infographic! My understanding of ferns was greatly increased, and I loved learning all the fascinating facts. Along with the thorough explanation of ferns and their history that you provided, I also appreciated the humorous anecdotes you included. The infographic’s layout and style were both efficient and appealing. Overall, awesome work!

  • Greitin Rodriguez

    The past cannot be undone, but we could learn from it. We have caused so much damage and big effects on the environment. It is necessary to keep our resources alive and in good conditions to help everyone. We need to learn and see the effects that we have done that have caused evolutionary and adaptations in the world. We need to undo and learn to help the future.

  • Alaina De Leon

    I enjoy this graphic and the look of it as well. I liked the amount of pictures in this it made it easy to follow and i enjoyed the amount of information this provided. I also liked the amount of fun facts, it added a nice touch as well as keep me reeled in the whole time.

  • Kaylah Garcia

    This infographic was fantastic! It was fantastic to expand my knowledge of Ferns and discover all of the interesting and entertaining information! Not only did I like the detailed description on Ferns and their origins, but I also enjoyed the amusing facts you added. I’ve never seen an infographic do that before, so you definitely stuck out! The infographic and its design were both well-organized and appealing. Overall, excellent work!

  • Jacqueline Galvan

    I enjoyed this infographic on the evolutionary adaptations of ferns and horsetails because I feel that the evolution of plants is often overlooked, and many times we just hear about human or animal evolution, where plants are just as important. I thought it was amazing that these plants are as old as the Devonian period and we still have them today! I also thought the layout was solid and very pleasing to look at.

  • Sydney Nieto

    Congratulations on your nomination. I don’t know much about plants but the fact that there are 12,000 different types is crazy. I did find it interesting how all leaves are from megaphylls ancestor, and how the first Ferns was found 360 million years ago. I do wonder how long it took them to find that out. I like how ‘Fun Facts’ was included at the bottom, that was a nice touch.

  • Anayetzin Chavez Ochoa

    I didn’t think ferns and horsetails were related! 360 million years ago! They’re super old! Thank you for informing us about the existence and life cycle of ancient ferns and relatives! Horsetails truly look like a horse’s tail or at least one of those show horses whose tail is in a bun and ribbon, maybe even a donkey’s tail. This infographic has a pleasing color palette.

  • Isabella Lopez

    As a Geology minor, I always enjoy learning about origins current animals and plants through fossils. I never knew there was 12,000 types of ferns. An 80 foot tall fern is crazy to think about. What a impressive evolutionary process. This was very informational and I feel you utilized the whole infographic.

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