Algor Cards

Plant Diversity and Taxonomy

Concept Map

Algorino

Edit available

Delving into the kingdom Plantae reveals a staggering 382,000 species, from microscopic algae to the towering Sequoia sempervirens. This overview covers plant diversity, including bryophytes, pteridophytes, and the prolific angiosperms, as well as the evolutionary journey from aquatic ancestors to complex terrestrial flora. Phylogenetic relationships highlight the progression from algal progenitors to the rich array of plant life we see today.

Plant Diversity and Taxonomy

The kingdom Plantae is a testament to biological diversity, encompassing an estimated 382,000 species that have been scientifically accepted. This vast array includes a dominant subset of seed-bearing plants known as spermatophytes, which alone account for approximately 283,000 species. Plant life forms range from the microscopic, such as the unicellular desmids barely 10 micrometers in diameter, to the majestic, like the coast redwood Sequoia sempervirens, which can soar to heights of nearly 380 feet. To organize this immense variety, scientists have developed extensive databases like the World Flora Online. Plant classification is rigorously structured by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants, and the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants, which provide a consistent framework for naming and categorizing plant taxa.
Lush botanical garden with large-leaved fern, reflective pond, red and yellow flowering plant, tall tree and blue sky with clouds.

The Range of Plant Morphologies

The plant kingdom showcases a broad array of life forms, extending from the unicellular algae to complex, multicellular entities. The green algae, comprising groups such as chlorophytes and charophytes, are believed to have between 3,800 and 6,000 species. Non-vascular plants, or bryophytes, which include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts, contribute an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 species. The vascular plants without seeds, known as pteridophytes, which include ferns, clubmosses, and horsetails, account for about 12,200 species. The most diverse plant group is the seed plants, with flowering plants (angiosperms) representing 258,650 species. This group also includes the gymnosperms—conifers, cycads, ginkgoes, and gnetophytes—each adding to the rich tapestry of plant diversity.

Show More

Want to create maps from your material?

Enter text, upload a photo, or audio to Algor. In a few seconds, Algorino will transform it into a conceptual map, summary, and much more!

Learn with Algor Education flashcards

Click on each Card to learn more about the topic

00

Total number of scientifically accepted plant species

Approximately 382,000 species.

01

Dominant subset of plants and species count

Spermatophytes, with about 283,000 species.

02

Size range of Plantae kingdom members

From unicellular desmids (10 micrometers) to coast redwood trees (380 feet).

Q&A

Here's a list of frequently asked questions on this topic

Can't find what you were looking for?

Search for a topic by entering a phrase or keyword