Exploring the Plant Kingdom: Diversity and Characteristics
by Yuvi K - December 16, 2023
Exploring the Plant Kingdom
The earth is home to innumerable species of living beings. A large number of these species belong to the Plant Kingdom. Plants exhibit a wide range of diversity and form the backbone of any ecosystem.
Classification of Plants
All plants can be broadly classified into flowering plants (angiosperms) and non-flowering plants (gymnosperms). Flowering plants usually have stems, leaves and flowers and produce seeds enclosed within the fruit. Non-flowering plants, on the other hand, bear naked seeds. Some of the major groups of flowering plants include monocots and dicots.
Monocot Plants
Monocots are angiosperms whose leaves have a single cotyledon. The stem of these plants is circular in cross section. Monocots are usually herbaceous, and have thick leaves that retain moisture. Examples include grasses, palms, lilies, and orchids.
Dicot Plants
Dicots are angiosperms with two cotyledons in their seed. They are woody plants with leaves that are usually palmate. Dicots have a secondary growth and their stems are usually square or four-angled in cross section. Examples include tomato, mustard, rose and alfalfa.
Conifers and Cycads
Conifers are gymnosperms that bear seeds in cones. They are mostly evergreen and grow to an average height of 10-20 meters. Common examples include pine, spruce, and cedar. Cycads are gymnosperms that are largely tropical plants resembling palms and having a stout trunk. They reproduce through cones and grow up to a height of 10-12 meters.
Characteristics of Plants
The characteristics of plants vary greatly between species as they are adapted to different environmental conditions. Some of these features are common amongst all types of plants.
Photosynthesis
All plants have the ability to photosynthesise, i.e. they are capable of converting light into energy. They use the energy thus produced for their growth and survival. This is an essential characteristic of plants as they are the primary source of food to animals.
Respiration
All plants possess the ability to respire, i.e. plants inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The respiration process is enabled through the stomata (स्टोमाटा) located on their leaves.
Cell Division
Certain cell divisions called the meristem cells exist in plants that divides and replace older cells. This characteristic enables plants to repair any damage to their organs and facilitates the growth of new organs.
Roots
Roots are specialized structures present in plants that anchor them to the ground and absorb water and minerals from the soil. Some aquatic plants do not have roots as they lack the need of anchorage, but they possess structures similar to roots called the ‘holdfasts’.
Stems
Stems are long, slender structures present in plants that support their leaves and flowers. They also carry nutrients and water from the roots to the leaves. Some plants, such as vines have modified stems that aid them in climbing.
Leaves
Leaves are the organs present in plants which are primarily responsible for the photosynthesis process. Leaves possess specialized cells in their palisade layer (पालीसाडे केलर) which facilitate the transfer of light energy into chemical energy.
Flowers
Flowers are the reproductive organs present in plants. They contain reproductive structures such as stamens and pistils, which facilitate the pollination process.
Conclusion
The plant kingdom is made up of innumerable species of living beings with a variety of characteristics. Although they share certain common features, the characteristics of plants vary greatly between different species. Plants are the primary producers of our ecosystems, and are fundamental to sustain life on the earth.
