Magnoliophyte: meaning, definitions and examples
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magnoliophyte
[ mæɡˈnoʊliəˌfaɪt ]
botanical classification
Magnoliophytes, also known as angiosperms, are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit. They are characterized by the presence of flowers and the ability to carry out double fertilization. This group is the largest and most diverse of the plant kingdom, encompassing about 300,000 species.
Synonyms
angiosperms, flowering plants
Examples of usage
- Magnoliophytes include roses and lilies.
- The evolution of magnoliophytes changed terrestrial ecosystems.
- Botanists study the characteristics of magnoliophytes.
Etymology
The term 'magnoliophyte' is derived from the genus name 'Magnolia', named in honor of the French botanist Pierre Magnol, who played a significant role in the development of plant taxonomy in the 17th century. 'Phyte' comes from the Greek word 'phyton', meaning 'plant'. The usage of the term 'magnoliophyte' has been increasingly common in botanical literature since the 20th century, as scientists sought a more precise classification for flowering plants, distinguishing them from gymnosperms, which are non-flowering seed plants. This classification reflects both the evolutionary advancements and the ecological significance of flowering plants in various habitats globally.