Angiosperms - Definition and Examples

Angiosperms, or flowering plants, are the most numerous of all the divisions in the Plant Kingdom. With the exception of extreme habitats, angiosperms populate every land biome and aquatic community. They are a major food source for animals and humans, and are a major economic source for the production of various commercial products. Angiosperms differ from non-vascular plants in that they have a vascular transport system for moving water and nutrients to various parts of the plant. Flowering Plant Parts The parts of a flowering plant are characterized by two basic systems: a root system and a shoot system. The root system is typically below ground and serves to acquire nutrients and anchor the plant in the soil. The shoot system consists of the stems, leaves, and flowers. These two systems are connected by vascular tissue. Vascular tissues called xylem and phloem are composed of specialized plant cells that run from the root through the shoot. They transport water and nutrients throughout the plant. Leaves are an important component of the shoot system as they are the structures through which plants acquire nutrition by photosynthesis. Leaves contain organelles called chloroplasts that are the sites of photosynthesis. Gas exchange needed for photosynthesis occurs through the opening and closing of tiny leaf pores called stomata. The ability of angiosperms to shed their foliage helps the plant to conserve energy and reduce water loss during cold, dry months. The flower, also a component of the shoot system, is responsible for seed development and reproduction. There are four main flower parts in angiosperms: sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.  After pollination, the plant carpel develops into fruit. Both flowers and fruit are often colorful in order to attract pollinators and animals that eat  fruit. As the fruit is consumed, the seeds pass through the animals digestive tract and are deposited at a distant location. This allows angiosperms to spread and populate various regions. Woody and Herbaceous Plants Angiosperms can be woody or herbaceous. Woody plants contain secondary tissue (bark) that surrounds the stem. They can live for several years. Examples of woody plants include trees and some shrubs. Herbaceous plants lack woody stems and are classified as annuals, biennials, and perennials. Annuals live for one year or season, biennials live for two years, and perennials come back year after year for many years. Examples of herbaceous plants include beans, carrots and corn. Angiosperm Life Cycle Angiosperms grow and reproduce by a process called alternation of generations. They cycle between an asexual phase and a sexual phase. The asexual phase is called the sporophyte generation as it involves the production of spores. The sexual phase involves the production of gametes and is called the gametophyte generation. Male and female gametes develop within the plant flower. The male microspores are contained within pollen and develop into sperm. Female megaspores develop into egg cells in the plant ovary. Angiosperms rely on the wind, animals, and insects for pollination. Fertilized eggs develop into seeds and the surrounding plant ovary becomes the fruit. Fruit development distinguishes angiosperms from other flowering plants called gymnosperms. Monocots and Dicots Angiosperms can be divided into two main classes depending on seed type. Angiosperms with seeds that possess two seed leaves after germination are called dicots (dicotyledons). Those with a single seed leaf are called monocots (monocotyledons).  These plants also differ in the structure of their roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. Roots Stems Leaves Flowers Monocots Fibrous (branching) Complex arrangement of vascular tissue Parallel veins Multiples of 3 Dicots Taproot (single, primary root) Ring arrangement of vascular tissue Branching veins Multiples of 4 or 5 Monocots and Dicots Examples of monocots include grasses, grains, orchids, lilies, and palms. Dicots include trees, shrubs, vines, and most fruit and vegetable plants. Key Takeaway: Angiosperms Angiosperms are plants that produce flowers. Flowering plants also produce fruit which covers and protects angiosperm seeds.Angiosperms are organized into a root system and a shoot system. The supportive roots are below ground. The shoot system is composed of the stems, leaves, and flowers.Two types of angiosperms are woody and herbaceous plants. Woody plants include trees and some shrubs. Herbaceous plants include beans and corn.Angiosperms cycle between an asexual phase and a sexual phase by the process of alternation of generations.  Angiosperms are classified as either monocots or dicots depending on seed type. Monocots include grasses, grains, and orchids. Dicots include trees, vines, and fruit plants. Sources Klesius, Michael. The Big Bloom-How Flowering Plants Changed the World. National Geographic, National Geographic, 25 Apr. 2016, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/prehistoric-world/big-bloom/.  Tree of Life Angiosperms. Flowering Plants. Tree of Life Web Project, tolweb.org/Angiosperms.