Gymnosperms and Angiosperms

Science class 7th grade Ms. Artigas

 The term "gymnosperm" refers to a group of plants that produce "naked" seeds and pollen. The term "naked" seed refers to a seed that does not develop and mature within a protective layer called the fruit.

 Gymnosperms are classified into: Cycads About 175 million years ago, the majority of plants were cycads. Today they grow mainly in tropical and subtropical areas. Cycads look like palm trees with cones. A cycad cone can grow as large as a soccer ball.

 Gymnosperms are classified into: Conifers Conifers, or conebearing plants, are the largest and most diverse group of gymnosperms today. Most conifers, such as pines, sequoias, and junipers, are evergreensplants that keep their leaves, or needles, year-round. When needles drop off, they are replaced by new ones.

 Conifers include plants that are familiar to most people. These plants have leaves that are needle-like or scale-like and bear reproductive structures called cones .

 Gymnosperms are classified into: Ginkgoes Ginkgoes (ging kohz) also grew hundreds of millions of years ago, but today, only one species of ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba, exists. It probably survived only because the Chinese and Japanese cared for it in their gardens. Today, ginkgo trees are planted along city streets because they can tolerate air pollution.

 Gymnosperms are classified into: Gnetophytes Live in hot deserts and in tropical rain forests. Some are trees, some are shrubs, and others are vines. The Welwitschia grows in the deserts of West Africa and can live for more than 1,000 years.

Life Cycle of a Gymnospe rm

 Angiosperms Called flowering plants, share two important traits. First, they produce flowers. Second, in contrast to gymnosperms, which produce uncovered seeds, angiosperms produce seeds that are enclosed in fruits.

 A flower is the reproductive structure of an angiosperm. A flower bud is enclosed by leaf like structures called sepals that protect the developing flower. Most flowers have petalscolorful, leaf like structures. Within the petals are the flowers reproductive parts. Thin stalks topped by small knobs inside the flower are stamens, the male reproductive parts. A stamen consists of an anther and a filament Pollen is produced in the anther. The female part, or pistil, consists of a stigma, style, and ovary. An ovary is a flower structure that protects seeds as they develop. An ovary contains one or more ovules.

Life Cycle of an Angiosperm

 Angiosperms are divided into two major groups: monocots and dicots. Monocots are angiosperms that have only one seed leaf. Dicots produce seeds with two seed leaves. Seed plants have many uses. For example, paper, lumber, turpentine, and other products come from gymnosperms. Angiosperms provide food and are used to make clothing, rubber, and furniture.