SEED PLANTS Meaning and
Definition
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Seed plants, also known as spermatophytes, are a diverse group of plants that produce seeds as a means of reproduction. They form the largest and most dominant group of plants on Earth, encompassing approximately 90% of all plant species. Seed plants are classified into two main groups: gymnosperms and angiosperms.
Gymnosperms, such as conifers and cycads, are characterized by naked seeds that are not enclosed within a fruit. These plants typically have needle-like leaves and produce pollen cones and seed cones. They are adapted to various climatic conditions and are commonly found in temperate and boreal regions.
Angiosperms, on the other hand, are flowering plants that enclose their seeds within a protective ovary, forming a fruit. They can be further categorized into monocots and dicots. Monocots, including grasses and lilies, have a single cotyledon (seed leaf), while dicots, such as roses and oak trees, have two cotyledons.
The development of seeds in seed plants plays a crucial role in their reproductive process. Seeds are structures containing an embryo plant, stored food reserves, and a protective seed coat. This enables seed plants to disperse their offspring over long distances, survive unfavorable conditions, and establish new generations.
Seed plants have evolved various mechanisms for seed dispersal, including wind, water, animal-mediated, and self-dispersal. They exhibit a wide range of morphological and physiological adaptations, enabling them to thrive in diverse habitats, from deserts to rainforests.
Overall, seed plants have played a vital role in the evolution and proliferation of plant life on our planet. Their ability to produce seeds has provided them with a significant advantage in survival and adaptation, making them the most successful and dominant
Etymology of SEED PLANTS
The term "seed plants" is derived from two parts: "seed" and "plants".
The word "seed" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "sædiz". This word ultimately comes from the Proto-Indo-European root word "seh₂d-", which means "to set in motion" or "to throw". Through various language evolutions, "sædiz" transformed into the Middle English word "seede" and eventually became the modern English word "seed".
The word "plants" originated from the Latin word "planta", meaning "sprout", "grown thing", or "young shoot". It also referred to a "sole of the foot", likely due to the notion of a plant being rooted in the ground, similar to a foot being firmly placed on the earth.
