Angiosperms are vascular plants that produce seeds and flowers. Examples of angiosperms are flowers, such as water lilies, and trees, like eucalyptus and peach. The angiosperms represent the largest number of plant species.
The first characteristic that makes angiosperms the dominant plant species is vascularity. Vascular plants contain a system of tubes (xylem and phloem tubes) that transport water and nutrients from the ground to the tips of the plant. This enables the plant to survive in relatively dry locations and allows the plant to grow very large.
The second characteristic that makes angiosperms dominant is their ability to make seeds. Seeds are plant embryos that are protected within a shell. The plant embryo is dormant while in the seed. The seed can last for a long time in harsh conditions, such as lack of water or extreme temperatures. The seed also serves as a method of dispersal for the plant. Seeds can be carried on the wind or by animals, allowing the plant to spread to many locations.
The third characteristic that makes angiosperms so successful is the production of flowers. No other plant type is able to produce flowers. The flower holds the reproductive structures of the plant – the stamens and the carpel. The stamens produce pollen, which are carried on the wind or by pollinators to the egg. The carpel contains the egg.
The flower can produce nectar, which attracts pollinators to the flower. The pollinators, such as bees, wasps, and moths, pick up pollen granules when they visit the flower to feed on the nectar. The pollen granules are then delivered to the next flower visited by the pollinator.
The fourth characteristic that makes angiosperms dominant is the production of fruit. The fruit is the last stage of the flower. After fertilization of the egg occurs, the plant embryo becomes encased within a seed. The ovary surrounding the seed can develop into a fruit. Animals eat the fruit. The seed protects the plant embryo from the digestive juices and is dispersed in the feces. A plant can be spread very far utilizing this method of dispersal.
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