Differences between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms

Overview

• Angiosperms

  • Plants that produce flowers.
  • Seeds develop in the ovaries of flowers.
  • Seeds are protected by fruits.
  • Comprise about 80% of all living green plants.
  • Examples include dandelions, grasses, magnolias, orchids.
  • Include most plant foods like grains, beans, and fruits.

• Gymnosperms

  • Seeds form in unisexual cones (strobili).
  • Lack fruits and flowers.
  • Do not contain vessels, except for Gnetum.

Key Differences

• Seed Development

  • Angiosperms: Seeds in ovaries, surrounded by fruit.
  • Gymnosperms: Seeds in cones, no fruit.

• Conducting Tissues

  • Angiosperms: Presence of vessels in conducting tissues.
  • Gymnosperms: Absence of vessels (except Gnetum).

• Diversity and Ecological Roles

  • Angiosperms: Greater diversity in growth habits and ecological roles.

Related Topics

• Questions exploring similarities and differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms.

Additional Information

• Angiosperms are the largest group within Plantae with about 300,000 species.

Sources

• Written and fact-checked by editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.
• Further reading and related materials available on Britannica.