In this module, you will learn:
- The dichotomous key
- The classification of plants
Resources to help you:
- Textbook: page 41
- Notebook: page 20, 25
Learn about the classification of plants
Source: https://youtu.be/nzD7sMIS9Pk
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A simple dichotomous key
What is a dichotomous key?
A dichotomous key is an easy way for us to classify living things.
To create a dichotomous key, we keep dividing the group by two until all of them are unique.
Classification of Plants
Plants can be divided into two big groups:
- plants that reproduce by seed;
- andplants that do not reproduce by seed.
It can then further sub-divided again as shown below.
Plants can grow from seeds
Credit: @weerapat via Depositphotos
Flowering and Non-flowering plants
Not all plants have flowers. Some like the hibiscus plant are flowering plant. Others like the pine tree do not produce flowers.
The hibiscus flower
Credit: @Neuman via Twenty20
Pine trees do not produce flowers
Credit: @katiabiruk via Twenty20
Characteristics of flowering plants
- They have roots, stems and leaves.
- They produce fruits that contain seeds.
Credit: @MargJohnsonVA via Twenty20
Characteristics of non-flowering plants
- They have roots, stems and leaves.
- They produce fruits (cones) that contain seeds.
- They have needle-like leaves.
Credit: @tcboncore via Twenty20
Algae and ferns
Algae and ferns do not reproduce by seed. Instead, they reproduce by spores.
Example of algae is seaweed, and an example of fern is the Bird's Nest fern.
The main difference between algae and ferns is that ferns have roots, stems and leaves but algae do not have.
Seaweed (Algae)
Credit: @Thomas Males via Yayimages
Bird's Nest fern
Credit: @eyepark via Yayimages
Time for practice quiz
Now that you have learnt all the seven characteristics of living things, you can click below to do a practice quiz.