Difference Between Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms
One of the interesting subtopics in botany is the difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms. It is rather fascinating because many undergrads find it pretty difficult to spot the dissimilarities between them. Knowing the contrast is crucial because the two plants share many similar features.
So, if you are one of those people who don’t seem to know the contrasts yet, you don’t have to worry about it. The reason is that this informative guide will explain them in detail. So, over the course of going through this article, you will learn the definitions, understand the dissimilarities, and finally, the conclusion. Now, let’s start this piece.
Definition of Angiosperms
Angiosperms are plants that stand out in the entire kingdom Plantae because they are the most advanced of them all. They play a crucial role in today’s biological ecosystem. It goes without saying that their vascular tissues are fully mature. Just like other flora classifications, they have xylem, which contain vessels.
The sieve tubes and companion cells are easily seen in the phloem. With the flower readily available, they have a high reproductive makeup. For effective reproduction, they have ovules that seamlessly develop within the ovary.
Well, that is not all to know about these plants. According to experts, the lifecycle is seasonal as it usually dies during autumn or fall. However, one must not overlook the role of the male nuclei in the process because the pollen tube has the duty of taking it to the ovum.
More importantly, there is no need for external water or internal fluids for fertilization to take place. It is used for making food, clothing, and drugs. In addition to that, the outcome of the entire process results in seeds that are enclosed in the fruits. Before we discuss the difference between gymnosperms and angiosperms, let us explain the former in detail.
Definition of Gymnosperms
Gymnosperm is used to describe the florae of the Plantae kingdom in this context. The word means “naked” in Greek. There are many features that make them unique. For instance, they have vascular and mechanical tissues. With the most common example being sporophytes, they often have two types of leaves.
They neither churn flowers nor fruits out. Somewhere within the lateral margins lies the naked or exposed ovules. The implication is that the naked ovules become seeds whenever fertilization occurs. Being classified as heterosporous, unisex reproductive gametes are somewhat infinitesimal and independent in operation. Over the course of reproductive process, no external water is required to facilitate the process.
Despite that, the germination of the seed still takes place, leaving them exposed. Over time, this is often altered, leading to the formation of cones. The leaves look like needles or better known as scale-like. Wind is the major causative agent of its pollination. They are classified as perennial plants and used for making paper. A conifer is the most popular example in this group.
Main Differences Between Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms
At this point, the table below will explain angiosperms vs gymnosperms some more.
| Basis of Comparison | Angiosperms | Gymnosperms |
| Meaning | These are florae that churn out fruits by enclosing them | These are florae that churn out seeds either on the surface of the scales or the leaves |
| Flowers | They are known for churning out flowers and fruits | They neither produce flowers nor fruits |
| Leaves | Flat | Scale-like |
| Reproductive parts | Absence of flagella in the male productive part | There’s a strong indication that flagella are present in the sperms |
| Pollination | Insects mostly initiate the process | Winds are the most common causative factors here |
| Real-world uses | It is used as food as well as food/drug production | It is used for making lumber and paper |
| Wood | Hardwood | Softwood |
Difference Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms: Conclusion
In conclusion of this gymnosperms vs angiosperms guide, it is crystal clear that they have numerous distinctions. While the former churns out seed on the surface of the scales or the leaves, the latter does the same by enclosing them.
Finally, there are many other distinctions as explained in the table above, but the position of the seeds is the primary dissimilarity that you have to keep in mind. At this juncture, this guide has fully explained the contrasts.
