The sperm plants They are plants that develop from seeds and that are divided into angiosperms and gymnosperms. Although angiosperms are dominant, gymnosperms are curious plants with unusual characteristics. For example, the production of bare seeds. They are cosmopolitan plants, but dominate mostly in cold climates.
In this ecology article, we define the Gymnosperms plants: what are, their characteristics and some examplesas well as the main differences of these with angiosperms.
What are gym plants
Gymnosperms are vascular and spermatophytes plantsthat is, they occur from a seed and generate them. The same Greek origin of the word gymnosperms gives us a track of its main characteristic: of gymnos that is “naked” and of Sperma that is “seed”, therefore, therefore, Your seeds are naked and do not develop in a closed ovary.
Gymnosperms are plants that develop practically in all areas of the world, but are dominant especially in cold and arctic climatesas in the taiga. Learn everything about what is the taiga, its definition and characteristics with this other post of Ecology Verde.
Some are also used as ornamental plants for their high quality wood. In addition, gymnosperms are very high and long -lived plants, features that clearly differentiate them from other types of plants. Next, we will see more of its characteristics.
Gymnosperms plants: characteristics
Its main characteristic, as mentioned, is the production of a Seed that does not develop in an ovarybeing plants No flowers or fruits. However, you can often be considered as a limited growth branch that can form Cones or pineapples and that generate fertile or sporophile leaves with an exposed seed. Their sexes are separated, thus there are female cones that produce masculine ovules and cones that generate pollen grains.
Gymnosperms are very old plants. In fact, they have been the first land plants to produce seeds and date from the end of the Carboniferous period. This was possible thanks, among other things, that in their reproduction they can do without water, being pollinated thanks to the wind.
As for its structure, they are woody arboreal plants and that have roots, stems, leaves and seeds (embryo of the plant that results from fertilization). Are Vascular plantsthat is, they have vascular tissues that allow them to distribute the water and other resources from the roots to the leaves.
Playback plants reproduction
The male cones are formed by a scale and two pollen bags formators of pollen grains. The female are larger and contain a scale with two ovules. Gametes are pollen grains and ovules.
During the reproduction of gymnosperms plants, the wind transports the pollen grain to female flowers and the pollen tube penetrates to the ovule to give rise to the zygote after the fusion of gametes. After fertilization, the seed and female inflorescence are formed in A pineapple that after a while it opens and Release the seedswhich will form new plants when falling on earth.
Gymnosperms plants: examples
Exist More than 1,000 species of gymnosperms divided into 88 genres. Some are well known such as fetus, pines, cedars, cypresses, juniper or araucarias. Some Examples of gymnosperms plants are:
PINOPHITAS
Popularly known as Coniferousthere are just over 600 species of woody plants. There are perennial leaves and expires, usually in a needle form. Some are:
- Pinaceae such as pines, piceas, firs, cedars, allerces or tsugas.
- Cepresaceas such as junctions, cypresses or sequoias.
- Aracauriáceas such as Araucaria.
- Taxáceas like the Tejo.
- Podocarpáceas such as the Lleuque or the morning.
GinkGophytes
This group includes several extinct species and only one living. They are often considered living fossils. This unique species is the Ginkgo Biloba. In addition, it is widely used as a medicinal plant for its large
CycadoPhitas
Often known as Cycades. Its appearance is similar to that of palm trees.
- CYCAS REVOLUTA.
- Zamia Furfuracea.
GNETOPHITAS
Form vines or small busheswith short stems and leaves with scales.
- Welwitschia Mirabilis.
- GNETUM GNEMON.
- Ephedra Distachya.
Main differences between gymnosperms and angiosperms plants
Both gym plants and angiosperms are sperm vascular plants (They produce seeds). However, the main differences between gymnosperms plants and angiosperms plants are:
- Angiosperms have seeds surrounded by fruits, while gymnosperms have bare seeds.
- Gymnosperms do not have typical flowers of angiosperms, but usually have cones.
- Angiosperms leaves are usually flat, while gymnosperms are usually pointed or in needle.
- Angiosperms are usually seasonal plants, while gymnosperms are usually perennial.
Examples of angiosperms plants
We also give you some examples of angiosperms plants so that you see their differences more clear with gymnosperms plants:
- Avocado tree.
- Sugarcane.
- Ginger.
- Margaritas
- Wheat.
- Barley.
- Peach or peach.
- Manzano
- Orange.
Finally, you may be interested in learning more with this other article about what are the parts of a flower and its functions. In addition, below you can watch a video on this topic.
If you want to read more articles similar to Gymnosperms plants: what are, characteristics and exampleswe recommend that you enter our biology category.
