Ch.6: Classification of Plants
- Arrowmite
- May 17
- 11 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Classification of Plants | Class 9 | Science | Chapter 6 | Maharashtra State Board
Explore the fascinating world of plant classification with detailed explanations of Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms. Understand the unique characteristics, reproduction methods, and examples of each plant group to enhance your learning experience.
Questions & Answers
1. Match the proper terms from columns A and C with the description in column B.
‘A’ | ‘B’ | ‘C’ |
Thallophyta | Seeds are formed in fruits. | Fern |
Bryophyta | No natural covering on seeds. | Cycas |
Pteridophyta | These plants mainly grow in water. | Tamarind |
Gymnosperms | These plants need water for reproduction. | Moss |
Angiosperms | Tissues are present for conduction of water and food. | Algae |
Ans.
‘A’ | ‘B’ | ‘C’ |
Thallophyta | These plants mainly grow in water. | Algae |
Bryophyta | These plants need water for reproduction. | Moss |
Pteridophyta | Tissues are present for conduction of water and food. | Fern |
Gymnosperms | No natural covering on seeds. | Cycas |
Angiosperms | Seeds are formed in fruits. | Tamarind |
2. Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks and explain those statements.(angiosperms, gymnosperms, spore, Bryophyta, thallophyta, zygote)
a. ……………….. plants have soft and fiber-like body.
Ans.
Thallophyta plants have soft and fibre-like body.
→ These are primitive aquatic plants (e.g., algae) without distinct roots, stems, or leaves.
b. ……………….. is called the ‘amphibian’ of the plant kingdom.
Ans.
Bryophyta is called the ‘amphibian’ of the plant kingdom.
→ They grow in moist places and require water for reproduction, like amphibians.
c. In pteridophytes, asexual reproduction occurs by ……………….. formation and sexual reproduction occurs by ………………..formation.
Ans.
In pteridophytes, asexual reproduction occurs by spore formation and sexual reproduction occurs by zygote formation.
→ They use spores to reproduce asexually and gametes to form a zygote for sexual reproduction.
d. Male and female flowers of ……………….. are borne on different sporophylls of the same plant.
Ans.
Male and female flowers of gymnosperms are borne on different sporophylls of the same plant.
→ Gymnosperms like Cycas have naked seeds and produce both types of reproductive organs on the same plant.
3. Answer the following questions in your own words.
a. Write the characteristics of subkingdom Phanerogams.
Ans.
Plants which have special structures for reproduction and produce seeds are called Phanerogams.
In these plants, after the process of reproduction, seeds are formed which contain the embryo and stored food.
During the germination of the seed, the stored food is used for the initial growth of the embryo.
Depending upon whether seeds are enclosed in a fruit or not phanerogams are classified into gymnosperms and angiosperms.
b. Distinguish between monocots and dicots.
Ans.
Dicotss | Monocots | |
Seed | Two cotyledons | Single cotyledon |
Root | Well developed, primary root (Taproot) | Fibrous roots |
Stem | Strong, hard. e.g. Banyan tree | Hollow, e.g. Bamboo False, e.g. Banana Disc-like, e.g. Onion. |
Leaf | Reticulate venation | Parallel venation |
Flower | Flowers with 4 or 5 parts or in their multiples (tetramerous or pentamerous) | Flowers with 3 parts or in multiples of three (trimerous). |
c. Write a paragraph in your own words about the ornamental plants called ferns.
Ans.
Ferns belong to the group of plants called Pteridophyta.
They have well-developed roots, stem and leaves but do not bear flowers and fruits.
They have separate tissues for the conduction of food and water.
They reproduce with the help of spores formed along the back or posterior surface of their leaves.
They reproduce asexually by spore formation and sexually by zygote formation.
d. Sketch, label and describe the Spirogyra.
Ans.

e. Write the characteristics of the plants belonging to division Bryophyta.
Ans.
Bryophyta group of plants are called the amphibians of the plant kingdom because they grow in moist soil but need water for reproduction.
These plants are thalloid, multicellular and autotrophic.
They reproduce by spore-formation.
Their plant body structure is flat, ribbon-like, long, without true roots, stem and leaves.
Instead, they have stem-like or leaf-like parts and root-like rhizoids.
They do not have specific tissues for the conduction of food and water.
Examples: Moss (Funaria), Anthoceros, Riccia etc.?
4. Sketch and label the figures of the following plants and explain them into brief.
Marchantia, Funaria, Fern, Spirogyra.
Ans.
Marchantia, Funaria

These plants are called ‘amphibians’ of the plant kingdom because they grow mostly in soil and need water for reproduction.
They do not have specific tissues for the conduction of food and water.
The plant body is fiat, ribbon-like long, without true roots, stem and leaves
Instead, they have stem-like or leaf-like parts and root like rhizoids.
Fern

They have well-developed roots, stem and leaves for the conduction of food and water.
They do not bear flowers and fruits.
They reproduce with the help of spores present along the back or posterior surface of the leaves.
Spirogyra

Spirogyra belongs to the division thallophyta. They are called as algae.
It grows mainly in water.
It does not have specific parts like root-stem- leaves-flowers but are autotrophic due to the presence of chlorophyll.
The plant body of Spirogyra is soft and fibre-like.
It has spirally arranged chloroplasts in its cell.
5. Collect a monocot and dicot plant available in your area. Observe the plants carefully and describe them in scientific language.
6. Which criteria are used for the classification of plants? Explain with reasons.
Ans.
Criteria for classification of plants:
If plants do not bear flowers, fruits and seeds, they are non-seed bearing plants. If they bear flowers, fruit and seeds, they are seed-bearing plants.
Presence or absence of conducting tissues- Plants such as pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms which possess conducting tissues are included in vascular plants whereas thallophytes and bryophytes which do not possess conducting tissues are included under non-vascular plants.
Depending upon whether the seeds are enclosed in fruit or not, plants are classified as gymnosperms (naked-seeds) and angiosperms (seeds covered by fruit)
Depending upon the number of cotyledons in seeds, plants are classified into dicotyledons and monocotyledons
E X T R A
1. Can you recall?
1. How have living organisms been classified?
Ans.
(i) Organisms have been classified based on the following:
Cell structure
Body Organisation
Mode of nutrition
Reproduction
(ii) Organisms are also classified at kingdom level and groups and subgroups.
Activity-based questions
1. You may have seen a lush green soft carpet on old walls, bricks and rocks in the rainy season. Scrape it gently with a small ruler, observe it under a magnifying lens and discuss.
Ans.
It shows considerable tissue complexity and is differentiated into two main parts: a root and a shoot.
They have a variety of specialized tissues within these two regions of the body.
Same kind of cells are seen throughout the whole body except reproductive cells.
2. You may have seen ferns among the ornamental plants in a garden. Take a leaf of a fully grown fern and observe it carefully.
Ans.
New leaves typically expand by the unrolling in a tight spiral manner.
The anatomy of fern leaves can either be simple or highly divided.
They show the presence of spores formed along the back or posterior surface of their leaves.
3. Observe all garden plants like Cycas, Christmas tree, Hibiscus, Lily, etc. and compare them. Note the similarities and differences among them. Which differences did you notice in gymnosperms and angiosperms?
Ans.
Cycas and Christmas tree are gymnosperms, whereas Hibiscus and lily are angiosperms.
Similarities: These plants have special structures for reproduction and produce seeds. During the germination of the seed, the stored food is used for the initial growth of the embryo.
Differences: In gymnosperms, reproductive organs have cones whereas in angiosperms reproductive organs have flowers.
In gymnosperms, seeds are without natural coverings whereas in angiosperms seeds are enclosed in natural coverings called fruits.
4. Soak the seeds of corns, beans, groundnut, tamarind, mango, wheat, etc. in water for 8 to 10 hrs. After they are soaked, check each seed to see whether it divides into two equal halves or not and categorize them accordingly.
Ans.
Monocots: com, wheat (it cannot be divided into equal halves)Dicots: beans, groundnut, tamarind and mango (it can be divided into two equal halves)
1. Choose and write the correct option:
1. The five-kingdom classification was proposed b7
(a) Robert Whittaker
(b) Robert Hooke
(c) Eichler
(d) Louis Pasteur
Ans.
(a) Robert Whittaker
2. In 1883, classified plants into two sub-kingdoms.
(a) Robert Whittaker
(b) Alexander Fleming
(c) Eichler
(d) Robert Hooke
Ans.
(c) Eichler
3. Ulothrix, ulva, sargassum belong to
(a) Bryophyta
(b) Thallophyta
(c) Pteridophyta
(d) Gymnosperms
Ans.
(b) Thallophyta
4. is a bryophyte.
(a) Ulva
(b) Nephrolepis
(c) Funaria
(d) Equisetum
Ans.
(c) Funaria
5. In the seeds are naked.
(a) Pteridophyta
(b) Angiosperms
(c) Gymnosperms
(d) Bryophyta
Ans.
(c) Gymnosperms
6. In the flowers are reproductive organs.
(a) Angiosperms
(b) Gymnosperms
(c) Pteridophyta
(d) Bryophyta
Ans.
(a) Angiosperms
7. In the flowers are tetramerous or pentamerous.
(a) Monocotyledons
(b) Dicotyledons
(c) Gymnosperms
(d) Pteridophyta
Ans.
(b) Dicotyledons
8. In monocotyledonous plants, the stem is
(a) hollow
(b) false
(c) disc-like
(d) all of these.
Ans.
(d) all of these
9. Lycopodium belongs to
(a) Thallophyta
(b) Bryophyta
(c) Gymnosperms
(d) Pteridophyta
Ans.
(d) Pteridophyta
10. Leaves of show reticulate venation.
(a) Bamboo
(b) Banana
(c) Onion
(d) Banyan
Ans.
(d) Banyan
11. Various types of fungi like yeasts and moulds are included in the group
(a) Thallophyta
(b) Halophyte
(c) Xenophyta
(d) Angiosperms
Ans.
(a) Thallophyta
12. Bryophytes have a root-like structure called
(a) Nodes
(b) Rhizoids
(c) Nodules
(d) Aerenchyma
Ans.
(b) Rhizoids
13. reproduce with the help of spores formed along the back or posterior surface of their leaves.
(a) Halophyta
(b) Pteridophyta
(c) Thallophyta
(d) Angiosperms
Ans.
(b) Pteridophyta
14. In ……………………….., the reproductive organs cannot be seen.
(a) Pteridophyta
(b) Cryptogams
(c) Thallophyta
(d) Angiosperms
Ans.
(b) Cryptogams
15. are mostly evergreen, perennial and woody.
(a) Pteridophyta
(b) Thallophyta
(c) Gymnosperms
(d) Angiosperms
Ans.
(c) Gymnosperms
16. Gymnosperms bear male and female flowers on different of the same plant.
(a) Branches
(b) Roots
(c) Sporophylls
(d) Flowers
Ans.
(c) Sporophylls
17. In the seeds are not enclosed by fruit.
(a) Pteridophyta
(b) Thallophyta
(c) Gymnosperms
(d) Angiosperms
Ans.
(c) Gymnosperms
18. In the seeds are enclosed by fruit.
(a) Pteridophyta
(b) Thallophyta
(c) Gymnosperms
(d) Angiosperms
Ans.
(d) Angiosperms
19. The plants whose seeds cannot be divided into equal parts are called
(a) Algae
(b) Fungus
(c) Dicotyledons
(d) Monocotyledons
Ans.
(d) Monocotyledons
20. The plants whose seeds can be divided into equal parts are called
(a) Algae
(b) Fungus
(c) Dicotyledons
(d) Monocotyledons
Ans.
(c) Dicotyledons
2. Find the odd one out:
1. Ulothrix, Ulva, Nephrolepis, Sargassum
Ans.
Nephrolepis: It belongs to division Pteridophyta whereas the others belong to division thallophyta.
2. Funaria, Marchantia, Anthoceros, Spirogyra
Ans.
Spirogyra:
3. Marsilea, Pteris, Lycopodium, Riccia
Ans.
Riccia:
4. Cycas, Mango, Apple, Banyan
Ans.
Cycas:
5. Onion, Papaya, Wheat, Green peas
Ans.
Green peas:
3. Complete the analogy:
(1) Spirogyra : Thallophyta : : Riccia :
Ans.
Bryophyta
(2) Moss : Bryophyta : : Selaginella :
Ans.
Pteridophyta
(3) Nephrolepis : Pteridophyta :: Ulothrix :
Ans.
Thallophyta
(4) Pteridophyta : Roots :: Bryophyta :
Ans.
Rhizoids
(5) Gymnosperms : naked seeds : : Angiosperms :
Ans.
Covered seeds
(6) Dicotyledon : Reticulate venation : : Monocotyledon:
Ans.
Parallel venation
(7) Bamboo stem: Hollow:: Onion Stem:
Ans.
Disc like
(8) Monocotylendon : Tap root:: Dicotyledon :
Ans.
Fibrous roots
4. Difference between:
1. Thallophyta and Bryophyta
Ans.
Thallophyta | Bryophyta |
These plants grow mainly in water | They grow in moist soil but need water for reproduction |
2. Gymnosperms and Angiosperms
Ans.
Gymnosperms | Angiosperms |
No natural covering on seeds | Seeds are formed in fruits |
3. Algae and Moss
Ans.
Algae | Moss |
These plants mainly grow in water. | These plants need water for reproduction. |
5. State whether the following statements are true or false. Correct the false statements:
(1) Thallophyta are called as the amphibians of the plant kingdom.
Ans.
False. Thallophyta plants grow mainly in water.
(2) Fungi like yeasts and moulds are included in division bryophyta.
Ans.
False. Fungi like yeasts and moulds are included in division thallophyta.
(3) Moss (Funaria) belongs to division bryophyta.
Ans.
True
(4) Bryophyta have specific tissues for conduction of food and water.
Ans.
False. Bryophyta do not have specialised tissuesfor conduction of food and water.
(5) Plants belonging to Thallophyta group are only unicellular.
Ans.
False. Plants belonging to thallophyta group may be unicellular or multicellular.
(6) Pteridophytes have well developed roots, stems and leaves.
Ans.
True
(7) Pteridophytes reproduce with the help of spores formed along the back or posterior surface of their leaves.
Ans.
True
(8) Nephrolepis belongs to division Pteridophyta.
Ans.
True
(9) Depending upon whether seeds are enclosed in a fruit or not, phanerogams are classified into monocots and dicots.
Ans.
False. Depending whether seeds are enclosed in. a fruit or not, angiosperms are classified into monocots and dicots.
(10) Gymnosperms are mostly evergreen, perennial and woody.
Ans.
True
(11) Gymnosperms bear male and female flowers on different sporophylls of different plants.
Ans.
False. Gymnosperms bear male and female flowers on different sporophylls of the same plant.
(12) In Angiosperms, the seeds are covered by fruits.
Ans.
True
(13) Dicotyledonous plants show reticulate venation.
Ans.
False. Dicotyledonous plants show parallel venation.
(14) Moncotyledonous plants have trimerous flowers.
Ans.
True
(15) In dicotyledonous plants, the stem is strong and hard.
Ans.
True.
6. Give name
1. What are ornamental plants are called?
Ans.
Ferns
2. Plants with two cotyledons are called.
Ans.
Dicots
3. Plants with single cotyledon are called.
Ans.
Monocots
4. Type of venation showed by hibiscus plant leaves
Ans.
Reticulate venation
5. Type of venation showed by lily plant leaves
Ans.
Parallel venation
7. One line answers
1. Which plants are mostly evergreen, perennial and woody?
Ans.
Gymnosperms are mostly evergreen, perennial and woody.
2. Which type of venation showed by dicot plants?
Ans.
Leaves of dicot plants show reticulated venation.
3. Which type of venation showed by monocot plants?
Ans.
Leaves of monocot plants show parallel venation
4. How are angiosperms classified into monocot and dicot?
Ans.
Depending whether seeds and enclosed in fruit or not, angiosperms are classified into monocot and dicot
5. In which division are fungi like moulds and yeast classified?
Ans.
Fungi like moulds and yeast classified in division thallophyta.
6. Plants belonging to which group may be unicellular or multicellular?
Ans.
Plants belonging to thallophyta group may be unicellular or multicellular
8. Give scientific reason
1. Thallophyta plants have thin and fibre like body
Ans.
Thallophyta: These plants grow mainly in water i.e. fresh water as well as in saline water, therefore they usually have a soft and fibre-like (filamentous) body.
2. Bryophyta plants are called the amphibian plants.
Ans.
Bryophyta: They grow in moist soil but need water for reproduction. Therefore, they are called ‘amphibians of plant kingdom’.
3. Gymnosperms bear their male and female flowers on different sporophylls of the same plant
Ans.
Gymnosperms: As these plants do not take the assistance of pollinators i.e. vectors, the male and female flowers are present on the different sporophyll of the same plant for successful fertilisation.
9. Write note on
1. August W. Eichler
Ans.
In 1883, Eichler, a botanist, classified the Kingdom Plantae into two subkingdoms. As a result, two subkingdoms, cryptogams and phanerogams were considered for plant classification.
2. Thallophyta
Ans.
These plants grow mainly in water. This group of plants, which do not have specific parts like root-stem-leaves-flowers but are autotrophic due to the presence of chlorophyll, is called algae. Algae show great diversity. They may be unicellular or multicellular, and microscopic or large. Examples of algae are Spirogyra, Ulothrix, Ulva, Sargassum, etc. Some of these are found in fresh water while some are found in saline water. These plants usually have a soft and fibre-like body. Various types of fungi like yeasts and moulds which do not have chlorophyll are also included in this group.
3. Bryophyta
Ans.
This group of plants is called the amphibians’ of the plant kingdom because they grow in moist soil but need water for reproduction. These plants are thalloid, multicellular and autotrophic. They reproduce by spore formation. The structure of the plant body of bryophytes is flat, ribbon-like long, without true roots, stem and leaves. Instead, they have stem-like or leaf-like parts and root-like rhizoids. They do not have specific tissues for conduction of food and water. Examples are Moss (Funaria), Marchantia, Anthoceros, Riccia, etc.
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