Flowering plants
Flowering plants
Flowering plants (pronunciation: /ˈflaʊ.ər.ɪŋ plænts/), also known as Angiosperms, are the most diverse group of land plants, with 64 orders, 416 families, approximately 13,000 known genera and 300,000 known species.
Etymology
The term "flowering plant" is derived from the word "flower", which comes from the Old French "flor" or "flour", and ultimately from the Latin "flos". The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words "angeion" meaning "vessel" and "sperma" meaning "seed".
Description
Flowering plants are characterized by a unique reproductive system where the ovules are enclosed within an ovary. The flowers, which are the reproductive structures of these plants, give them their name. The flower is a modified stem tip, which is usually brightly colored to attract pollinators.
Classification
Flowering plants are divided into two major groups: the Monocots and the Dicots. Monocots, or monocotyledons, have one embryonic leaf (cotyledon), while dicots, or dicotyledons, have two.
Evolution
The origin and early evolution of flowering plants are still subjects of ongoing research. However, it is generally agreed that flowering plants first appeared during the Cretaceous period, around 140 million years ago.
Related Terms
- Gymnosperms: A group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes.
- Cotyledon: The embryonic leaf in seed-bearing plants.
- Pollen: The microgametophytes of seed plants, which produce male gametes (sperm cells).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Flowering plants
- Wikipedia's article - Flowering plants
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