CLASS GNETOPSIDA Meaning and
Definition
-
Class Gnetopsida is a botanical classification within the division or phylum Gnetophyta, which constitutes a group of seed plants. The name "Class Gnetopsida" derives from "gnetos," a Greek word meaning "to twist," referencing the twisting structure of the vessels in the xylem tissue of these plants. This class encompasses the remaining extant species of the Gnetophyta division after the exclusion of the genera Ephedra and Welwitschia.
Plants belonging to Class Gnetopsida are characterized by various unique features. They exhibit both gymnosperm and angiosperm traits, blurring the distinction between these two plant groups. Members of this class are predominantly dioecious, wherein male and female reproductive organs are found on separate plants. The leaves are typically scale-like and arranged in a spiral or opposite patterns.
While Gnetopsida species lack flowers, they produce reproductive structures known as strobili, which contain seeds. Pollination in this class is achieved through wind or insects rather than by animals. The female gametophyte develops seeds inside the ovule, which consists of a protective integument enclosing the nucellus. Fertilization occurs when pollen grains reach the ovule and generate sperm cells to fertilize the egg.
The distribution of Class Gnetopsida is limited to certain regions, including North America, Africa, and eastern Asia. The best-known genera within this class are Gnetum and various extinct taxa, particularly those from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. While these plants have a long evolutionary history, they are relatively rare in contemporary ecosystems. Due to their unique characteristics and phylogenetic significance, Gnetopsida plays a crucial role in understanding the evolutionary relationships among seed plants.
Common Misspellings for CLASS GNETOPSIDA
- xlass gnetopsida
- vlass gnetopsida
- flass gnetopsida
- dlass gnetopsida
- ckass gnetopsida
- cpass gnetopsida
- coass gnetopsida
- clzss gnetopsida
- clsss gnetopsida
- clwss gnetopsida
- clqss gnetopsida
- claas gnetopsida
- clazs gnetopsida
- claxs gnetopsida
- clads gnetopsida
- claes gnetopsida
- claws gnetopsida
- clasa gnetopsida
- clasz gnetopsida
Etymology of CLASS GNETOPSIDA
The word "Class Gnetopsida" comes from the combination of two linguistic roots: "Class" and "Gnetopsida".
1. "Class" is derived from the Latin word "classis", which originally referred to a division or group of people. It eventually evolved to denote a grouping or category of organisms in biological classification systems. It entered English in the 16th century.
2. "Gnetopsida" is a botanical class name given to a group of seed plants. The term "Gnetopsida" was coined by Carl E. von Martius, a German botanist, in 1835. The word "Gnet-" derives from the Greek word "gnetos", meaning "gnaw", and "-opsida" is a suffix commonly used to name plant classes.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
