What is the Difference Between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms?

Angiosperms and gymnosperms are two major groups of vascular seed plants. The main differences between them are related to their seeds, reproductive structures, and diversity. Here are the key differences:

1. Seeds: Angiosperms have seeds enclosed within an ovary (usually a fruit), while gymnosperms have unenclosed or "naked" seeds on the surface of scales or leaves, often configured as cones.
2. Reproductive structures: Angiosperms have flowers and fruits, while gymnosperms lack flowers and fruits. Angiosperm flowers can be unisexual (e.g., male flowers and female flowers) or bisexual (the flower has both male and female parts). Gymnosperm seeds are usually formed in unisexual cones, known as strobili.
3. Diversity: Angiosperms are the largest and most diverse group of plants, with around 300,000 species, representing approximately 80 percent of all known green plants. Gymnosperms, on the other hand, are a smaller and more ancient group, with only around 1,000 extant species.
4. Anatomy and lifecycle: Angiosperms have triploid tissue, flat leaves in numerous shapes, and hardwood stems. They have a seasonal lifecycle. Gymnosperms have haploid tissue, spiky, needle-like leaves, and are softwood. They are evergreen plants.

Examples of angiosperms include flowering plants such as mango, apple, banana, roses, lilies, broccoli, kale, petunias, eggplant, tomato, peppers, and sugarcanes. Gymnosperm examples include non-flowering evergreen trees like pine, spruce, and fir.

Comparative Table: Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms

Here is a table comparing the differences between angiosperms and gymnosperms:

Angiosperms, also known as flowering plants, have seeds enclosed within an ovary (usually a fruit), while gymnosperms have no flowers or fruits and have naked seeds.