Gymnosperms v/s Angiosperms | Biology for JAMB PDF Download

Spermatophyta, also known as seed plants, is a division of plants that includes two major groups: gymnosperms and angiosperms. Here are some short notes on each of them, along with examples and the differences between them:

Gymnosperms

• Gymnosperms are a group of seed plants in which the seeds are not enclosed within a fruit.
• They have naked seeds, meaning the seeds are exposed and not protected by a fruit or ovary.
• Gymnosperms typically have cones as their reproductive structures.
• Examples of gymnosperms include cycads and conifers.
• Cycads: Cycads are ancient gymnosperms with palm-like appearance and large, compound leaves. They are often found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Conifers: Conifers are cone-bearing gymnosperms that include trees such as pines, spruces, firs, and cedars. They are typically found in cooler climates.

Angiosperms

• Angiosperms are a diverse group of seed plants that produce flowers and fruits.
• They have enclosed seeds, meaning the seeds are protected within a fruit or ovary.
• Angiosperms have a wide range of reproductive structures, including flowers, which attract pollinators.
• Examples of angiosperms include monocots and dicots.
• Monocots: Monocots are a class of angiosperms characterized by having one cotyledon (seed leaf), parallel leaf veins, and floral parts in multiples of three. Maize (corn) is an example of a monocot.
• Dicots: Dicots are another class of angiosperms characterized by having two cotyledons, branched leaf veins, and floral parts in multiples of four or five. Water leaf is an example of a dicot.

Differences between Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

• Reproductive structures: Gymnosperms have cones as their reproductive structures, while angiosperms have flowers.
• Seed protection: Gymnosperms have naked seeds that are not enclosed within a fruit, whereas angiosperms have enclosed seeds protected within a fruit or ovary.
• Flowering: Gymnosperms do not produce true flowers, while angiosperms have evolved to produce a wide variety of flowers.
• Dominance: Angiosperms are the dominant group of plants on Earth, whereas gymnosperms are less diverse and less abundant.