What are Angiosperms and Gymnosperms
Angiosperms and gymnosperms are both seed-bearing, vascular land plants on earth. Angiosperms are flowering plants with seeds enclosed within an ovary, which later develops into a fruit. They are the largest and the most diverse group within the plant kingdom, which make up almost 80% of all plant species on earth. The term ‘angiosperm’ is derived from the Greek words’ ‘angeion’, meaning ‘vessels’ and ‘sperma’, meaning ‘seed’. In contrast, gymnosperms are non-flowering plants with seeds that are naked or lack an outer coat. The term ‘gymnosperm’ is derived from the Greek words’ ‘gymnos’, meaning ‘naked’ and ‘sperma’, meaning ‘seed’.
Angiosperm vs Gymnosperm Diagram
Compare and Contrast between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms
Although both share some common characteristics, there are many differences in their structure, reproduction, and lifecycle. The significant differences are given below.
What is the Difference Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms
What do Angiosperms and Gymnosperms have in Common
The key similarities between angiosperms and gymnosperms are given below:
- Both are seed-bearing vascular land plants.
- The general life history is similar in both groups.
- Both contain ovules, a structure that develops into seeds.
- The presence of pollen tubes helps in the fusion of male and female gametes.
- The main plant body in both is the diploid sporophyte.
- In both, the sporophyte is differentiated into root, stem, and leaves.
Ans . The two similarities are a) both are seed-bearing vascular plants and b) ovules of both develop into seeds. The two differences are: a) gymnosperms are non-flowering plants, and angiosperms are flowering plants, and b) seeds of gymnosperms are naked, while angiosperm seeds are enclosed within an ovary.
Ans . Gnetophyte resembles angiosperms in appearance.
Ans . Angiosperms are more successful than gymnosperms because angiosperms produce flowers that increase their chance of pollination and reproduction compared to gymnosperms. Flowering plants can also survive in a greater variety of habitats and mature more quickly than their counterpart.
- References Angiosperm vs. Gymnosperm – Microbenotes.com Angiosperm vs. Gymnosperm – Sciencing.com Difference Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms – Toppr.com Angiosperms versus Gymnosperms – Courses.lumenlearning.com
Article was last reviewed on Thursday, February 2, 2023
