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Difference Between Angiosperm & Gymnosperm

Difference Between Angiosperm & Gymnosperm

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Oct 04, 2024 09:33 AM IST

Angiosperms or seed-producing plants that include fruits produce naked seeds, usually found in cones. Examples are roses angiosperms, and so are mangoes, but pines and ginkgoes are gymnosperms. Both are vascular plants with both xylem and phloem, but their reproductive structures and ecological roles differ. This chapter on the Plant Kingdom in Biology talks about the difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms, the two major kinds of seed-producing plants. The contrast in these questions is something that students from the country would have to know if they are preparing themselves for NEET and JEE.

What Are Angiosperms And Gymnosperms?

An angiosperm plant is called a flowering plant, whereas a gymnosperm plant is called a non-flowering plant. These plants are classified into vascular-containing plant groups. Gymnosperms are ancient time plants found to date on the earth. Angiosperm plant flowers can be bisexual or unisexual. Bisexual, means both male and female flowers present in the same plant; and unisexual, means any one male or female flower present in the same plant. Angiosperm includes different types of body forms such as herbs, shrubs, vines, and trees.

Angiosperm plants are divided into various families such as the Orchidaceae family, the Asteraceae family, Fabaceae family. The Orchidaceae family plant (called an orchid) is found higher in number and it is generally found over the rocks and pollinated by fly vectors. The Asteraceae family is also called the composite family, it is mostly found in high-temperature regions and subtropical regions of the earth. The fabaceae family is also called the legume family and this family is the third largest angiosperm family which can produce root nodules which is beneficial for bacteria as well as plants to do nitrogen fixation.

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Terminology Explanation

The terminology, angiosperm and gymnosperm is used in the field of botany. These both words are Greek words. Gymnosperm is made up of two words that is ‘gymnos’ and ‘Sperma’, ‘gymnos’ means opened or uncovered and ‘sperma’ means seed; the word angiosperm is also made up of two words ‘Angeoin’ and ‘Sperma’, ‘Angeoin’ means vessel or hollow structure within seed and 'Sperma’ means seed.

Difference Between Angiosperm And Gymnosperm

The difference between angiosperm and gymnosperm with some examples lies primarily in their seed structure, where angiosperms have seeds enclosed in fruits, such as apples and oranges, while gymnosperms have naked seeds found on cones, like pine cones. To write the difference between angiosperm and gymnosperm, one must note that angiosperms produce seeds enclosed within fruits, while gymnosperms have naked seeds that are not protected by any covering. When you write about the difference between angiosperm and gymnosperm, it is essential to mention that angiosperms are characterized by their flowers, which facilitate diverse pollination methods, whereas gymnosperms primarily reproduce using cones.

Aspect
Angiosperms
Gymnosperms
Pollination Methods
Utilize various pollination methods, including animal, wind, and water.
Primarily rely on wind for pollination.
Seed Structure
Seeds are covered by plant structures such as fruit.
Seeds are present on leaves.
Flower Production
Angiosperms are a group of plants that can produce flowers.
Gymnosperms are a group of plants that have no flowers in their life cycle.
Reproductive System Location
The reproductive system is found within flowers.
The reproductive system occurs within cones.
Leaf Structure
Flat leaf structure is shown by angiosperms.
Edge or needle-like structure is shown by gymnosperms.
Growth Conditions
Angiosperm plants are grown in every season of the year.
Gymnosperm plants are grown in specific seasons and regions on Earth.
Tissue Type
Triploid tissue is found in angiospermic plants.
Haploid tissue is found in gymnospermic plants.
Pollination Medium
Media like animals, wind, and water is required for the pollination process.
Medium like wind is required for the pollination process.
Wood Structure
The wood structure or trunk of angiosperm plants is harder than that of gymnosperm plants.
Soft trunks are found in gymnosperm plants.
Vessels Presence
Angiosperms do not contain vessels.
Vessels are present within gymnosperms.
Phloem Composition
Angiosperm phloem lacks companion cells.
Companion cells are found within the gymnosperm phloem.
Reproductive System Structure
In angiosperms, the reproductive system is present within flowers.
In gymnosperms, the reproductive system is present within cones.
Fertilization Type
Double fertilization is found within angiosperms.
Double fertilization is not found in gymnosperms.
Style and Stigma Presence
Style and stigma are present within angiosperms.
Style and stigma are not found in gymnosperms.
Archegonia Presence
Archegonia is found in angiosperms.
Archegonia is not found in gymnosperms.
Sperm Motility
Sperm is immotile in angiosperms.
Sperm is motile in gymnosperms.
Reproductive Structures
Angiosperms produce flowers that can be unisexual or bisexual.
Gymnosperms produce cones that are generally unisexual.
Habitat Preferences
Angiosperms thrive in a variety of environments from tropical rainforests to deserts.
Gymnosperms are commonly found in temperate forests and mountainous regions.

How Are Angiosperms And Gymnosperms Similar?

  • As in how are angiosperms and gymnosperms alike, it is noteworthy to add that both groups fall under seed-bearing vascular plants, whose specialized tissues specialize in transporting materials of water and nutrients.
  • An important thing to remember when learning how are angiosperms and gymnosperms similar is that both of them use pollen to gain fertilization, with the mechanisms as well as the structures involved having significant differences between the two groups.
  • The similarities, according to ecological roles, in how angiosperms and gymnosperms contribute to ecosystems include providing habitat as well as food for other organisms such as insects and animals.
  • Another similarity between both these groups is that how are angiosperms and gymnosperms similar including their ability to survive in a variety of environments, although the angiosperms generally show more diversity in their habitat preferences.
  • Finally, discussing how are angiosperms and gymnosperms similar, one can note that these both involve critical roles with the carbon cycle, offering sequestration of carbon through photosynthesis.

Examples Of Angiosperm And Gymnosperm

  • In terms of diversity, the difference between angiosperm and gymnosperm with some examples is evident as angiosperms are more diverse, with around 300,000 species including grasses and legumes, compared to gymnosperms which have over 1,000 species like spruce and cedar.
  • Apple, hemp, orchids, lilies, broccoli, tomato, peppers, dandelions, wheat, maple, rose, and walnut are examples of angiosperm plants; And pine, spruce, ginkgo, cycas, pins, araucaria, thuja, Cedrus, Picea are examples of gymnosperm plants.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for the Difference Between Angiosperm & Gymnosperm

To effectively study the topic of Difference Between Angiosperm & Gymnosperm, consider these strategies:

Tips and Tricks
Mnemonic
Familiarize yourself with key characteristics of each group.
FIND (Focus on Important Names and Definitions)
Use flashcards to memorize examples of angiosperms and gymnosperms.
FLASH (Flashcards Lead to Active Study Habits)
Create comparison charts for quick reference.
CHART (Comparative Help for Angiosperms and Gymnosperms)
Practice with past exam questions on plant classification.
PRACTICE (Practice Regularly And Create Testing Insights for Excellence)

Weightage of Topics in Different Entrance Exams

Knowing the weightage of this topic helps prioritize your study efforts. Here’s how it is weighted across various entrance exams:

Entrance Exam
Weightage (%)
5-10%
3-5%
4-6%
6-8%
2-4%

Types of Questions Asked on the Topic in Different Exams

Familiarizing yourself with the types of questions can help you prepare more effectively. Here’s a summary of the types of questions that may be asked across various exams:

Entrance Exam
Types of Questions
NEET
Conceptual questions on plant types
JEE Main
Multiple-choice questions on definitions
JEE Advanced
Analytical problems related to plant structures
AIIMS
Short answer questions on differences
UPSC
Descriptive questions on plant evolution

By utilizing these tips and understanding the exam weightage and question types, you can enhance your preparation for the topic of Difference Between Angiosperm & Gymnosperm.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the definition of gymnosperm and angiosperm?

Angiosperm means seed is produced by flowering plants and it is enclosed in the ovaries. Gymnosperm means seed is produced by a non-flowering plant and seed is either closed or uncovered.

2. What are the 3 main differences between gymnosperm and angiosperm?

1.Gymnosperm non covered seed is observed and covered seed found in angiosperm. 2.Archegonium not found in gymnosperm, but it is found within the angiosperm. 3.Gymnosperm plants grow in specific seasons and conditions but angiosperm plants grow in all conditions.

3. What is the meaning of the words- angiosperm and gymnosperm?

Angiosperm is made up of ‘angeoin’ and ‘sperma’ words, ‘angeoin’ means vessel-like structure and ‘sperma’ means seed. Gymnosperm term is made up of ‘gymnos’ and ‘sperma’ words, ‘gymnos’ means opened or uncovered and ‘sperma’ means seed.

4. Which plant is the oldest one?

Gymnosperm plant is the oldest plant.

5. What are examples of gymnosperm and angiosperm plants?

Apple, hemp, orchids, lilies, walnut are examples of angiosperm plants; And pine, spruce, ginkgo, cycas, pins, araucaria, thuja, cedrus, picea are examples of gymnosperm plants.

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