Chapter 3 Plant Kingdom
ALGAE
ALGAE
- Algae are chlorophyll-bearing, simple, thalloid, autotrophic and largely aquatic organisms.
- The form and size of algae are highly variable.
- They reproduce by vegetative, asexual and sexual methods.
- They are divided into three main classes:
- Chlorophyceae: Green algae
- Phaeophyceae: Brown algae
- Rhodophycaea: Red algae
BRYOPHYTES
- These include the various mosses and liverworts that are found commonly growing in moist shaded areas in the hills.
- They have a plant-like body.
- They are divided into two types:
- Liverworts: Grow usually in a moist, shady habitat
- Mosses
PTERIDOPHYTES
- Include horsetails and ferns.
- Used for medicinal purposes and as soil binders.
- Found in cool, shady, damp places though some may flourish well in sandy-soil conditions.
GYMNOSPERMS
- The plants in which the ovules are not enclosed by any ovary wall and remain exposed are called gymnosperms.
- Include medium-sized trees or tall trees and shrubs.
ANGIOSPERMS
- The pollen grains and ovules are developed in specialized structures called flowers.
- The seeds are enclosed by fruits.