Home  »  Major Groups of Angiosperms

Major Groups of Angiosperms

In an earlier topic, we discussed the diversity of plants. The most complex of them are the angiosperms and by taking a closer look at them, we will be able to understand plant form and function better.

plant biology 1
Flower poster by Alvesgaspar is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
 

Monocots vs. Eudicots/Dicots

On the basis of several structural features, botanists classify angiosperms into two major clades (related by evolution): monocots and eudicots, which refer to the first leaves on the plant embryo–the seed leaves or cotyledons; with monocots having one seed leaf and a eudicot having two.

Monocots include orchids, bamboos, palms, and grasses while most flowering plants are eudicots. The following table summarizes the characteristics of the two major groups:

StructureMonocotsEudicots
Seed LeavesOne cotyledonTwo cotyledons
Leaf VeinsVeins usually parallelVeins usually branched
StemsVascular tissue scattered in a complex arrangementVascular tissue arranged in rings
FlowersFloral parts are usually in multiples of threeFloral parts usually in multiples of four or five
RootsFibrous root systemTaproot usually present

For a more visual representation of the table, see the following image:

plant biology 2
Monocot vs. Dicot‘: This diagram is showing the differences between monocotyledonous flowers and dicotyledonous flowers. Image by Flowerpower207 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

As we saw previously with animals, a close look at structure often reveals its function. Up next, we will look at the basic organs of a typical plant.

 

Next topic: Plant Organs

Return to the main article: Plant Form and Functions

 

Download Article in PDF Format

Test Yourself!

1. Practice Questions [PDF Download]

2. Answer Key [PDF Download]

Copyright Notice

All materials contained on this site are protected by the Republic of the Philippines copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, or broadcast without the prior written permission of filipiknow.net or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright, or other notice from copies of the content. Be warned that we have already reported and helped terminate several websites and YouTube channels for blatantly stealing our content. If you wish to use filipiknow.net content for commercial purposes, such as for content syndication, etc., please contact us at legal(at)filipiknow(dot)net

FILIPIKNOW® is a registered trademark of the owner of Pacific Pact with Registration No. 4/2019/00504365. All content is copyrighted.
Terms of Service & Privacy Policy About Filipiknow Facts & Figures