Difference between Angiosperms and Gymnosperms (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 18 Dec, 2025

Spermatophyta include all seed-bearing plants. It has been branched into two subdivisions- Gymnosperms and Angiosperms. Gymnosperms are woody plants that do not bear flowers. Seeds are exposed or naked—better adaptation for a land habit. Angiosperms are the most highly evolved plants. They are the most abundant and conspicuous plants. Range from tiny, almost microscopic Wolffia to tall trees of Eucalyptus.

angiosperms_vs_gymnosperms

R.H. Whittaker gives 5 kingdom systems, which he stated are kingdoms like Monera, Protista, Fungi, Animalia, and Plantae. Kingdom Plantae has mainly 5 groups, i.e., Algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms. Let us have a glance at the difference between gymnosperms and angiosperms.

Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms

Parameter **Angiosperms **Gymnosperms
**Definition Angiosperms are seed-producing flowering plants whose seeds are enclosed within an ovary. Gymnosperms are seed-producing non-flowering plants whose seeds are enclosed.
**Flower These are Flowering Plants, and thus, they have flowers These are not flowering plants, and thus, they do not have flowers
**Embryo The embryo contains one or two cotyledons The embryo may contain one to several cotyledons.
**Xylem Xylem forms Vessels Xylem does not form Vessels.
**Reproductive **organs The sporophylls are aggregated to form cones (generally unisexual, rarely bisexual).Male gametophyte contains 1 or 2 prothalial cells, a tubule cell, a stalk cell, and a body cell that divides to form 2 male gametes.Seeds develop exposure to megasporophyll. Fruits are never formed.Archegonia are absent The sporophylls are aggregated to form flowers (generally bisexual, rarely unisexual).The male gametophyte consists of a tube cell and a generative cell, which divide to form two male gametes.Seeds develop inside the ovary, which matures into a fruit.The female gametophyte contains archegonia.
**Endosperms Triploid Endosperms Haploid Endosperms
**Stem The stem is made up of Hardwood The stem is made up of Softwood
**Leaves Flat-shaped leaves. Scale-like and needle-like leaves.
**Dispersion Animal Dispersion Wind Dispersion
**Example Monocots and Dicots Cycas, Pinus (pines), Cedrus(deodar), Ginkgo, etc.