Class Notes: Classification of Plants
Source: Class Recording (Hr3)
Chapter: Classification of Plants
Standard: ICSE Class 9
1. Importance of Classification
• Classification helps in grouping similar plants together for easier study and
understanding.
• It provides convenience and organization.
2. Historical Background
• Ancient scientists classified organisms in different ways.
• Two kingdom classification was initially accepted.
• Five kingdom classification by Robert Whittaker in 1959 became widely accepted.
3. Cell Types: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic
a. Prokaryotic Cells
• Primitive cells without membrane-bound organelles.
• No nuclear membrane; DNA lies freely in cytoplasm (region called nucleoid).
• Typically have a single chromosome.
• Size: 1 to 10 micrometers (1μm = 10⁻⁶ meters).
• Examples: Blue-green algae, photosynthetic bacteria.
• Chlorophyll present in vesicles, not in chloroplasts.
b. Eukaryotic Cells
• Well-defined nucleus with nuclear membrane, nucleolus, nucleoplasm.
• Membrane-bound organelles present.
• Size: ~200 micrometers.
• More than one chromosome.
• Includes unicellular protists (e.g., Amoeba, Paramecium) and multicellular organisms.
4. Eukaryotic Kingdoms
• With cell wall → Plantae and Fungi
• Without cell wall → Animalia
• Fungi now often included under Plantae for simplification.
5. Classification by Eichler (1883)
• Modern classification followed in plant kingdom.
• Based on presence of seeds, flowers, and plant body differentiation.
6. Plant Kingdom Classification
Divided into:
1. Cryptogams (non-flowering, seedless)
2. Phanerogams (flowering, seed-bearing)
a. Cryptogams
• Divided into:
- Thallophyta
- Bryophyta
- Pteridophyta
i. Thallophyta
• Simple, thalloid body structure (no roots, stems, leaves).
• Aquatic; may be unicellular or multicellular.
• Classes: Algae and Fungi
• Algae: Photosynthetic, chloroplast present.
- Examples: Ulva, Sargassum, Spirogyra, Cladophora
• Fungi: Saprophytic, derive nutrition from decaying matter.
- Examples: Mucor, Mushroom, Bread mould, Penicillium
ii. Bryophyta
• Called amphibians of the plant kingdom.
• Require water for fertilization.
• Thalloid body, no true roots/stems/leaves.
• Rhizoids present instead of roots.
• Reproduce sexually and asexually (via spores).
• Alternation of generations: sexual and asexual cycles alternate.
• Male reproductive organ: Antheridia
• Female reproductive organ: Archegonia
• Examples: Funaria (moss), Marchantia, Riccia, Anthoceros
iii. Pteridophyta
• Non-flowering vascular plants.
• Plant body differentiated into roots, stems, and leaves.
• Vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) present.
• Reproduce via spores and sexually (gametes).
• Spore-bearing structures called sori (singular: sorus) on underside of leaves.
• Examples: Ferns (Nephrolepis), Adiantum, Selaginella, Equisteum
b. Phanerogams
• Higher plants that bear seeds.
• Differentiated plant body (root, stem, leaf).
• Vascular tissues present.
• Seeds contain embryo and stored food.
• Reproductive organ: Flower
i. Gymnosperms
• Non-flowering seed-bearing plants.
• Seeds are exposed (not enclosed in fruit).
• Woody stems, perennial.
• Male and female cones on the same or different plants.
• Male structure: Microsporophyll (forms cones)
• Female structure: Megasporophyll
• Examples: Cycas, Pinus, Deodar, Christmas tree (Picea)
ii. Angiosperms
• True flowering plants.
• Ovary develops into fruit, ovule into seed after fertilization.
• Flowers with four whorls:
- Calyx (sepals): Protect flower in bud stage
- Corolla (petals): Attract insects
- Androecium (stamens): Male part → anther + filament
- Gynoecium (carpels): Female part → ovary, style, stigma
• Divided into:
- Monocotyledons (Monocots)
- Dicotyledons (Dicots)
7. Monocots vs Dicots
• Monocots:
- Single cotyledon
- Fibrous root system
- Parallel venation
- Pseudostem or weak stem (e.g., banana, bamboo)
- Trimerous flowers (multiples of 3)
- No secondary growth
- Examples: Rice, Wheat, Sugarcane, Onion, Garlic, Coconut, Palm trees, Orchids,
Hydrophytes (except lotus)
• Dicots:
- Two cotyledons
- Taproot system
- Reticulate venation
- Strong woody stem
- Tetramerous or pentamerous flowers (multiples of 4 or 5)
- Secondary growth present
- Examples: Mango, Hibiscus, Guava, Brinjal, Chilli, Pulses, Sunflower, Tomato
