Since all of the land plants we are studying have evolved from plants in marine environments, such as algae, they have many adaptations that allow them to survive outside of the water. 

Moss only require water for fertilzation in order to survive.

Ferns need water to fertilization, but also have specialized tissues, leaves and roots. 

Conifers and Flowering Plants (angiosperms) no longer need water for fertilization, but utilize different methods such as pollination. They also have advanced specialized tissues. 

All of these characteristics are what permits these plants to survive on land.

Transition From Water to Land

Plant Group	Mosses	Ferns	Conifers	Flowering Plants
Stiff support tissue	absent	present	advanced	advanced
Conducting Tissue	absent	present	advanced	advanced
True leaves, stems, and roots	absent	present	advanced	advanced
Pollen	absent	absent	present	present
Seeds	absent	absent	exposed on scale	enclosed in fruit
Flowers and fruits	absent	absent	absent	present
Water required for fertilization	yes	yes	no	no