The word "angiosperm" is spelled /ˈændʒiəʊspɜːm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "angio" is pronounced with a soft g sound as in "angel." The second syllable "sperm" is pronounced with the long e sound as in "see" and the final syllable "-m" is pronounced with the letter m sound. The word angiosperm refers to a group of flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed in an ovary. This spelling helps to accurately convey the proper pronunciation of this botanical term.
Angiosperms, also known as flowering plants, are a diverse group of plants that comprise the largest phylum within the plant kingdom, known as Angiospermae. They are characterized by their ability to produce flowers and enclose their reproductive structures within a protective structure called a fruit. Angiosperms represent the dominant form of plant life on Earth and are found in almost every ecosystem.
The key defining feature of angiosperms is their reproductive structure. Their flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, with pollen produced by the male organs being delivered to the female organs for fertilization. This unique reproductive mechanism allows for efficient pollination, resulting in a high rate of seed production and genetic diversity.
Angiosperms are further classified into two main groups: monocots and dicots. Monocots, such as grasses and lilies, have a single seed leaf and typically exhibit parallel veins in their leaves. Dicots, such as roses and oak trees, have two seed leaves and commonly display branched veins in their leaves.
The success of angiosperms can be attributed to their adaptability, as they have evolved to thrive in a variety of habitats and climates. They play a vital role in ecosystems by providing food, shelter, and oxygen to diverse organisms. Additionally, angiosperms serve as an essential resource for humans, offering a wide range of agricultural products, medicines, and ornamental plants.
A plant the seed of which is enclosed in a distinct covering, the ovules being enclosed in an ovary and fertilized throught the medium of a stigma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "angiosperm" is derived from two Greek words: "angeion" meaning "vessel" or "container", and "sperma" meaning "seed". The combination of these two words represents the main characteristic of angiosperms, which are flowering plants that produce seeds contained within a protective structure, such as a fruit or seed pod. The term "angiosperm" was coined by German botanist Carl Wilhelm von Nägeli in 1858.