Angiosperms and gymnosperms are the two main categories of the plants. Both are seed-bearing plants having few similarities. This is because of the fact that gymnosperms were present for more than 200 million years before the angiosperms evolved. The main difference between these two is their diversity. Angiosperms are more diverse in comparison to the gymnosperms. The higher diversity of angiosperms is due to their wide adaptability in terrestrial ecosystems. Angiosperms, are also known as flowering plants and having seeds enclosed within their fruit. Whereas gymnosperms have no flowers or fruits and have naked seeds on the surface of their leaves. Gymnosperm seeds are configured as the cones. Some other main characteristics which differentiate both are based on flowers, fruits, and seeds. In this article, we will deal with the detailed difference between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms in the tabular form for easy understanding.
What are Angiosperms?
The angiosperms are vascular plants bearing the seeds in fruits or mature ovaries. Angiosperm forms the flower which carries reproductive organs and fruits. These plants can easily adapt to the terrestrial habitat and also have a very wide distribution, around 250000 species. Fruit trees including Mango, Apple, Banana, Peach, Cherry, Orange, Pear, etc are the examples of Angiosperms. These show the flowers before they bear fruits. Grains like rice, corn, and wheat are also examples of Angiosperm. In such type of plants, the pollination process is carried out by the wind. Some other examples of Angiosperms are roses, lilies, Broccoli, kale, Petunias, Eggplant, Tomato, Peppers, and sugarcanes.
What are Gymnosperms?
The Gymnosperms are other types of the plant which bear the seeds directly on the sporophylls but without any cover. Its name suggests that these are vascular plants of the Kingdom Plantae which bear naked seeds. Some examples of such plants are cypress, pine, spruce, redwood, ginkgo, cycads, juniper, fir, etc. The main reason for having such a less number of species is the lack of protection of the seeds. The seeds are naked and hence is unprotected after of its release. Therefore they need to get into the ground quickly to take root. Otherwise, the animals, weather conditions, or any other negative factors will damage them.
The important difference between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms
Parameter Angiosperms Gymnosperms
Definition These are seed-producing flowering plants whose seeds are enclosed within an ovary. These are seed-producing non-flowering plants whose seeds are unenclosed.
Seeds Their seeds are enclosed inside an ovary, usually in a fruit. Their seeds are bare and not enclosed, which are found on scales, leaves, or as cones.
Life Cycle The lifecycle of these plants is seasonal because these die during autumn/fall. These plants are evergreen in nature.
Presence These are present in flowers and can be unisexual or bisexual. These are present as cones and are unisexual.
Reproduction Reproduction is depending on the animals for spread. Here, Reproduction is depending on wind for spread.
Tissue These have triploid tissue. These have haploid tissue.
Leaves The shape of the leaves is flat. Their leaves are scale-like and needle-like.
Wood These have hardwood. These have softwood.
Uses Used for Medications, food, clothing, etc. Used for Paper, Lumber, etc.
After understanding the difference between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms, let us have some more facts about these plants.