Kingdom Classification - Plantae

Kingdom Classification - Plantae

Characteristics

• Multicellular: Organisms in this kingdom are composed of many cells.
• Eukaryotic: They possess a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
• Autotrophic: They produce their own food through photosynthesis, using chlorophyll.
• Cell Wall: Possess rigid cell walls primarily made of cellulose.
• Reproduction: Primarily reproduce sexually, but many also exhibit asexual reproduction.
• Habitat: Mostly terrestrial, but some are aquatic.

Major Divisions of the Plant Kingdom

The plant kingdom is divided into major groups based on key characteristics.

• Bryophytes (Non-Vascular Plants):

  • Characteristics: Lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Depend on moisture for reproduction. Reproduce by spores. The gametophyte generation is dominant.
  • Examples: Mosses, liverworts, hornworts.

• Pteridophytes (Seedless Vascular Plants):

  • Characteristics: Possess vascular tissue (xylem and phloem). Have true roots, stems, and leaves. Reproduce by spores. The sporophyte generation is dominant.
  • Examples: Ferns, horsetails, club mosses.

• Gymnosperms ("Naked Seed" Plants):

  • Characteristics: Seeds are not enclosed within a fruit. Do not produce flowers or fruits. Most are woody plants.
  • Examples: Conifers, cycads, ginkgoes.

• Angiosperms (Flowering Plants):

  • Characteristics: The most diverse group of plants. Produce flowers and fruits. Seeds are enclosed within a fruit. Have a well-developed vascular system and exhibit double fertilization.
  • Examples: Roses, mangoes, wheat.

Examples

• Algae: Simple aquatic plants (e.g., Spirogyra, Chlamydomonas).
• Mosses: Non-vascular plants (e.g., Funaria).
• Ferns: Vascular plants that reproduce by spores (e.g., Dryopteris).
• Flowering Plants: The most diverse group of plants, reproducing by seeds enclosed within fruits (e.g., Rose, Mango, Wheat).
• Conifers: Cone-bearing plants (e.g., Pine, Fir).