Examples of Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

The two seed-bearing plant types share a few characteristics. Approximately 200 million years ago, the gymnosperms were extant, and angiosperms emerged. They may have had a common progenitor. The variety of angiosperms vs gymnosperms is the primary point of comparison. Angiosperms are more diverse than gymnosperms. This indicates that angiosperms may thrive in a broad range of terrestrial environments. Angiosperms are also known for their blooms and fruit production. 

Angiosperms and gymnosperms are two different kinds of plants. Read further to understand the dissimilarities between them, and learn about the examples of angiosperms and gymnosperms.

What is an angiosperm?

An angiosperm is a flowering plant. Angiosperms are one of the most important plant groupings that produce seeds. “Seed” and “angeion” are two Greek terms that have been combined to form the word angiosperm. Angiosperms are vascular plants that produce seeds in fruits or mature ovaries, as the name indicates. Fruits are carried in angiosperm flowers, which include reproductive organs. There are over 2,50,000 species of these plants known to date, making them better suited to the terrestrial environment.

Features of angiosperm

In light of the information provided above, many scientists refer to angiosperm plants as “flowering” plants and place them all under the umbrella of a single phylum, the Anthophyta. Pollen, stamens, and/or carpels are some of the flower’s anatomical components.

Stamens create pollen grains, which are the plant’s sperm. In the ovaries of plants, the female gametes (ovum) include the male gametes (pollen) that may interact with each other. Angiosperms are able to reproduce thanks to these gametes sexually. Angiosperms may also conduct asexual reproduction, such as vegetative propagation and apomixis, separate from sexual reproduction.

The smaller size of angiosperm pollen grains compared to gymnosperm pollen grains speeds up fertilisation because the female eggs get the pollen grains more quickly. Some angiosperm families may reproduce without being fertilised or, in other cases, can fertilise themselves using their own pollen. Because of this, blooming plants’ stamens are very important for fertilisation. Further, we’ll see a few examples of angiosperms and gymnosperms. 

Examples of angiosperm

There are several instances of angiosperms to be found in everyday life. Flowering plants have a huge influence on the existence and survival of living species, from fruits, grains, vegetables, and flowers. Angiosperms include a wide variety of plants, although fruit trees are the most prevalent. Before they become apples, oranges, and cherries, a variety of blossoms bloom on the branches of fruit trees. Insects and animals pollinate these plants. Once the process of pollination is complete, the carpel of the plant begins to enlarge and becomes a fruit, which may also change colour.

Angiosperms include both grasses and grains. Grass crops such as wheat and rice are notoriously difficult to pollinate because of their reliance on wind. Grass seeds are wind-dispersed because of their small weight and ease of dispersal. Flowers and veggies are both examples of blossoming plants. Given what has been said so far, it is reasonable to believe that angiosperms are critical to human survival and that the vast bulk of agricultural products come from angiosperms. Read further to know the examples and differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms.

What is gymnosperm?

Unlike other plant species, the Gymnosperms do not have any cover over their seeds. These are known as the vascular plants that belong to Kingdom Plantae, as their name implies, and they yield seeds that are completely naked. Cypress, redwood, pine, spruce, ginkgo, cycads, fir, and juniper are a few examples of this kind of plant. The absence of seed protection is a major factor in the low number of species. After releasing the seeds, they are exposed and vulnerable. As a result, they must establish a foothold in the soil as soon as possible. Without proper care, they’ll be harmed by animals and the weather, as well as other unfavourable causes.

Features of gymnosperm

Unenclosed on the exterior surface of leaves or scales, gymnosperm seeds are referred to as “naked” seeds. It is common for Gymnosperm seeds to be arranged in cones. Gymnosperms differ from angiosperms in that they have fruits, endosperm in the seeds, and flowers as their primary distinguishing characteristics. Except in Gnetales, the xylem of gymnosperms lacks vessels. Angiosperms have vessels in the xylem that may be seen. Angiosperm phloem has numerous accompanying cells, but there are none in gymnosperms.

Gymnosperms have a kind of haploid tissue known as an endosperm, which differs from angiosperms in that they are frequently triploid. Angiosperms have tissues that are much more sophisticated and numerous than gymnosperms. Flowers, leaves, and fruits have a wide range of hues and shades due to the wide range of flower and fruit varieties.

Examples of gymnosperm

We give here three examples of gymnosperms to explain the species further. Plants that fall into this category include the Gymnosperms (cypress and Gnetum), the Gymnospermae (Pine and Spruce), and the Gymnospermidae (ginkgo and Cycads). The absence of seed protection is a major factor in the extinction of many species. When the seeds are sown, they are exposed and vulnerable. Animals, weather, or other things may harm them if they don’t get into the ground soon enough to establish roots.

Conclusion

From the foregoing explanation, it can be inferred that angiosperms are among the most varied groupings of plants in the universe, and that blooming plants serve a critical role in the survival of living beings. Both types of plants are useful in the home. Gymnosperms, such as pine fir, provide the softwoods needed to make paper, lumber, and plywood, whereas angiosperms are the world’s principal supply of hardwoods and a crucial source of medications, timbers, decorations, and fibres.