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Angiosperm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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angiosperm

[ˈæn.dʒi.oʊ.spɜrm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plant classification

Angiosperms are a group of flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit. This group is characterized by the presence of flowers and the ability to reproduce through seeds, which develop from the ovules. Angiosperms are the most diverse group of land plants, comprising about 80% of all plant species.

Synonyms

flowering plant, magnoliophyte.

Examples of usage

  • Roses and tulips are examples of angiosperms.
  • The angiosperm lineage includes both monocots and dicots.
  • Many angiosperms play crucial roles in their ecosystems.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Angiosperms are the largest group of plants on Earth, with over 300,000 species identified.
  • They are classified into two main groups: monocots (like lilies and grasses) and dicots (like roses and sunflowers).
  • These plants play a vital role in ecosystems, providing food and habitat for various organisms.

Cultural Significance

  • Many angiosperms are essential in agriculture, forming the backbone of global food production with crops like wheat and corn.
  • Flowers from angiosperms are often used in cultural rituals, weddings, and festivals, symbolizing beauty and life.

Ecological Importance

  • They are central to the food web, serving as producers that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
  • Angiosperms contribute to soil health and stability, allowing for the growth of diverse plant and animal life.

Evolutionary History

  • Angiosperms first appeared around 140 million years ago during the late Jurassic period, revolutionizing plant diversity.
  • They are believed to have evolved from gymnosperms, leading to a rapid diversification due to their efficient reproductive systems.

Origin of 'angiosperm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'angiosperm' comes from Greek, where 'angeion' means 'case or vessel' and 'sperma' means 'seed.'
  • The term was first used in the 19th century to classify flowering plants distinctively from non-flowering ones.

The term 'angiosperm' comes from the Greek words 'angeion', meaning 'vessel' or 'container', and 'sperma', meaning 'seed'. It was first coined in the 19th century to describe a clade of plants that produce seeds that are enclosed within a protective vessel or fruit. Angiosperms are thought to have evolved around 160 million years ago and have since become the dominant form of plant life on Earth due to their adaptations for reproduction and dispersal. The success of angiosperms is partly attributed to their complex flower structures, which facilitate pollination by various agents, including insects, birds, and wind. Their fruits aid in the dispersion of seeds, further contributing to their widespread distribution across diverse habitats.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,654 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.