🌿 Chapter 6 – Classification of Plants (Class 9 – Maharashtra Board)
1) 🧠 20 Most Important Words (with simple Hindi meanings)
| Word | Meaning (Simple Hindi) |
|---|---|
| Plantae | स्वपोषी, कोशिका भित्ति वाले पादपों का समूह |
| Autotroph | जो स्वयं भोजन बनाते हैं (प्रकाश संश्लेषण) |
| Chlorophyll | हरा रंगद्रव्य जिससे पत्तियाँ भोजन बनाती हैं |
| Cryptogams | जिनके प्रजनन अंग छिपे होते हैं (बीज नहीं) |
| Phanerogams | जिनमें बीज बनते हैं (दिखने वाले प्रजनन अंग) |
| Thallus | जड़-तना-पत्ती अलग न दिखने वाला शरीर |
| Rhizoids | जड़ जैसे सूक्ष्म धागे जो पकड़ बनाते हैं |
| Spores | सूक्ष्म बीजानु जिनसे नई पौध बनती है |
| Sporangia | जहाँ स्पोर बनते/संग्रहीत होते हैं |
| Vascular tissues | जल व भोजन ले जाने वाली नलिकाएँ |
| Word | Meaning (Simple Hindi) |
|---|---|
| Gymnosperms | नग्नबीजी—बीज फल में बंद नहीं |
| Angiosperms | आवृतबीजी—बीज फल में ढके होते हैं |
| Monocot | एक दलबीजपत्र वाला पौधा |
| Dicot | दो दलबीजपत्र वाला पौधा |
| Reticulate venation | जालीनुमा शिराएँ (पत्ती) |
| Parallel venation | समांतर शिराएँ (पत्ती) |
| Evergreen | सालभर हरे रहने वाले पौधे |
| Perennial | कई वर्षों तक जीवित रहने वाले |
| Embryo | बीज में मौजूद शिशु पौधा |
| Cotyledon | बीजपत्र—बीज में पोषण भंडार पत्ती |
2) 📝 Important Notes (quick, exam-ready)
- Kingdom Plantae: Eukaryotic, cell wall present, autotrophic (chlorophyll, photosynthesis). Primary food source for other kingdoms.
- Classification criteria: (i) Body organization (thallus vs root–stem–leaf), (ii) Presence of vascular tissues, (iii) Spore vs seed formation, (iv) If seeds present → naked or enclosed (fruit), (v) In angiosperms: number of cotyledons.
- Cryptogams: Reproduce by spores; reproductive organs hidden. Three divisions:
- Thallophyta (Algae & some fungi): Mostly aquatic; thalloid body; no true root–stem–leaf. Examples: Spirogyra, Ulothrix, Ulva, Sargassum.
- Bryophyta: “Amphibians” of plant kingdom—need water for reproduction; thalloid/leafy gametophyte; rhizoids present; no vascular tissues. Examples: Funaria (moss), Marchantia, Riccia, Anthoceros.
- Pteridophyta (Ferns & allies): True roots, stem, leaves; vascular tissues present; reproduce by spores (sori on leaf underside); no flowers/fruits. Examples: Nephrolepis, Pteris, Adiantum, Selaginella, Lycopodium.
- Phanerogams: Flowering/seed plants; seeds contain embryo + stored food.
- Gymnosperms: Seeds naked (no fruit). Mostly evergreen, perennial, woody; male & female sporophylls on the same plant. Examples: Cycas, Pinus, Picea, Thuja.
- Angiosperms: Flowers → fruits with enclosed seeds. Two classes:
- Monocots: Single cotyledon; fibrous roots; parallel venation; floral parts in 3’s (trimerous). Eg. maize, wheat, bamboo, grasses, lilies.
- Dicots: Two cotyledons; tap root; reticulate venation; floral parts in 4 or 5 (tetramerous/pentamerous). Eg. mustard, bean, mango.
3) 🔹 20 One-word/One-line Type (answers 1–2 lines)
1) What are cryptogams?
Plants reproducing by spores with hidden reproductive organs (no seeds).
2) Name three divisions of cryptogams.
Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta.
3) Which group is called “amphibians of plant kingdom”?
Bryophyta.
4) Example of thallophyte seen as green scum in ponds?
Spirogyra.
5) Vascular tissues first appear in which cryptogam?
Pteridophyta.
6) Where are spores found in many ferns?
In sporangia arranged in sori on the underside of leaflets.
7) Define phanerogams.
Seed-bearing plants with distinct reproductive structures (flowers/cones).
8) Seeds naked in which sub-group?
Gymnosperms.
9) Seeds enclosed in fruit in which sub-group?
Angiosperms.
10) Give two gymnosperm examples.
Cycas, Pinus (also Picea, Thuja).
11) One monocot feature of leaf venation.
Parallel venation.
12) One dicot root feature.
Tap root system (well-developed primary root).
13) Number of floral parts in monocots?
In 3’s or multiples of 3 (trimerous).
14) Number of cotyledons in dicots?
Two (dicotyledonous).
15) Body plan of algae?
Thalloid (no true root–stem–leaf).
16) What are rhizoids?
Root-like filaments for anchorage in bryophytes.
17) Do pteridophytes form flowers?
No; they reproduce by spores.
18) Typical habit of gymnosperms?
Evergreen, perennial, mostly woody with crown of leaves.
19) Example of monocot crop.
Wheat/maize (corn).
20) Example of dicot tree.
Mango / Banyan.
4) ✨ 20 Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 lines each)
1) Why are algae autotrophic?
They possess chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis.
2) What do bryophytes lack that pteridophytes possess?
Vascular tissues (xylem & phloem).
3) Name any two bryophytes.
Funaria, Marchantia (also Riccia, Anthoceros).
4) Where are sori located?
On the posterior/under surface of fern leaflets.
5) What is the first criterion of plant classification here?
Presence/absence of organs (root–stem–leaf–flower).
6) Second criterion after organs?
Presence/absence of conducting tissues.
7) Third criterion concerning reproduction?
Presence/absence of seeds; and seed covering (fruit) status.
8) Define monocot.
Angiosperm with a single cotyledon in seed.
9) Define dicot.
Angiosperm with two cotyledons in seed.
10) Leaf venation in dicots?
Reticulate (net-like) venation.
11) Root system in monocots?
Fibrous roots.
12) Do gymnosperms form fruits?
No, seeds are naked (not enclosed by fruit).
13) Example of a fern used ornamentally.
Nephrolepis / Adiantum.
14) What is a thallus?
Undifferentiated body lacking distinct root–stem–leaf.
15) What is a zygote?
Diploid cell formed after fusion of gametes (sexual reproduction).
16) Are fungi included in thallophyta here?
Yes, non-chlorophyllous thalloid forms (yeasts, moulds) are included.
17) Which group shows both asexual spores and sexual zygote stages?
Pteridophyta.
18) Typical stem in many gymnosperms?
Woody; often unbranched with crown of leaves.
19) Flower part numbers in dicots?
4 or 5 (tetramerous/pentamerous) or multiples thereof.
20) Do cryptogams bear seeds?
No, they reproduce by spores.
5) ✍️ 20 Short Answer Questions (about 2–3 lines each)
1) Differentiate cryptogams and phanerogams.
Cryptogams reproduce by spores; reproductive organs hidden; no seeds. Phanerogams have evident reproductive organs (flowers/cones) and produce seeds.
2) Why are bryophytes called amphibians of the plant kingdom?
They grow on moist land but require water for reproduction; hence “amphibian” nature.
3) Mention plant body and habitat of thallophytes.
Thalloid body without true organs; many live in water (fresh/saline); e.g., algae.
4) List two features that separate pteridophytes from bryophytes.
Presence of vascular tissues and true roots/stems/leaves in pteridophytes.
5) Where are spores produced in ferns and how do they appear on leaves?
In sporangia grouped as sori on the underside; appear as small dot-like clusters.
6) Key features of gymnosperms regarding seeds and habit.
Seeds are naked (no fruit); mostly evergreen, perennial, woody; male & female sporophylls on same plant.
7) Contrast monocot and dicot seeds with examples.
Monocot: one cotyledon (maize, wheat); Dicot: two cotyledons (bean, tamarind, mango).
8) Root and venation differences between monocots & dicots.
Monocots: fibrous roots, parallel venation; Dicots: tap root, reticulate venation.
9) Give two examples each: thallophyta, bryophyta, pteridophyta.
Thallophyta: Spirogyra, Ulva; Bryophyta: Funaria, Marchantia; Pteridophyta: Pteris, Adiantum.
10) Explain “presence/absence of vascular tissue” as a criterion.
Plants with xylem/phloem (pteridophytes & phanerogams) transport water/food efficiently; bryophytes lack them.
11) What is the function of cotyledons?
They store and/or transfer nutrients to the embryo during seed germination.
12) Why do gymnosperms not form fruits?
Because ovules are exposed; post-fertilization the seeds remain naked without an enclosing ovary wall (fruit).
13) Describe Spirogyra briefly.
Filamentous green alga with spiral chloroplasts visible under microscope; lives in freshwater.
14) Name two pteridophyte genera commonly used as ornamentals.
Nephrolepis, Adiantum.
15) Give two examples of gymnosperms commonly seen.
Cycas (sago palm-like), Picea (Christmas tree).
16) How are angiosperms further classified?
Based on number of cotyledons: monocotyledons and dicotyledons.
17) State floral part numbers typical of monocots and dicots.
Monocots: 3 or multiples; Dicots: 4 or 5 or multiples thereof.
18) What do rhizoids do in bryophytes?
Help in anchorage and limited absorption; not true roots.
19) Do pteridophytes have seeds?
No; they propagate via spores.
20) Why are angiosperms most diverse?
Efficient vascular systems, protected seeds (fruits), varied adaptations—leading to wide diversity.
6) 📘 Textbook Exercise Questions & Perfect Answers
(1) Match the columns
Match proper terms from A & C with B.
• Thallophyta — “These plants mainly grow in water.” (C: Algae).
• Bryophyta — “These plants need water for reproduction.” (C: Moss/ Marchantia).
• Pteridophyta — (C: Fern), vascular, spore-bearing (no flowers/fruits).
• Gymnosperms — “No natural covering on seeds.” (C: Cycas).
• Angiosperms — “Seeds are formed in fruits.” (C: Tamarind / Hibiscus).
(2) Fill in the blanks & explain
a) __________ plants have soft and fibre-like body.
Thallophyta (algae) — thalloid, often soft & filamentous.
b) __________ is called the ‘amphibian’ of the plant kingdom.
Bryophyta — require water for reproduction though they grow on land.
c) In pteridophytes, asexual reproduction occurs by ________ formation and sexual reproduction occurs by ________ formation.
spore; zygote.
d) Male and female flowers of __________ are borne on different sporophylls of the same plant.
gymnosperms (e.g., Cycas bears male & female sporophylls on the same plant).
e) Write characteristics of Bryophyta.
Thalloid/leafy body, rhizoids present, no vascular tissues, need water for reproduction, reproduce by spores; examples: Funaria, Marchantia.
(3) Answer in your own words
a) Characteristics of sub-kingdom Phanerogams
Seed-bearing plants with evident reproductive organs; embryo + stored food in seeds; include gymnosperms (naked seeds) and angiosperms (seeds in fruits); have vascular tissues and true organs.
b) Distinguish monocots and dicots
Monocots: 1 cotyledon, fibrous roots, parallel venation, floral parts in 3’s. Dicots: 2 cotyledons, tap root, reticulate venation, floral parts in 4/5.
c) Short paragraph on ornamental ferns
Ferns (pteridophytes) like Nephrolepis, Adiantum have graceful fronds; reproduce via spores in sori on leaf undersides; possess roots, stems, leaves and vascular tissues but no flowers/fruits; popular in gardens due to lush foliage.
d) Sketch/describe Spirogyra
Freshwater filamentous alga with cylindrical cells arranged in threads; each cell shows spiral chloroplasts with pyrenoids; cell wall, nucleus present—photosynthetic thallophyte.
(4) Sketch & label (brief explanation)
Marchantia, Funaria, Fern, Spirogyra
Marchantia—thalloid liverwort with gemma cups; Funaria—moss with leafy gametophyte and capsule on seta; Fern—fronds with sori; Spirogyra—filaments with spiral chloroplasts. (Draw neat labelled diagrams in your notebook.)
(5) Collect & describe one monocot and one dicot
Scientific observation
Monocot (maize): parallel venation, fibrous roots, floral parts in 3’s. Dicot (mustard): reticulate venation, tap root, floral parts in 4’s; stem comparatively hard/solid.
(6) Criteria used for plant classification
List criteria with reasons
Body organization (presence of distinct organs), vascular tissues (efficient transport), reproductive mode (spores vs seeds), seed enclosure (fruit or naked), and cotyledon number (monocot/dicot). These reflect structural & functional complexity and evolutionary advancement.
🧭 Quick Classification Map
| Group | Organs | Vascular Tissues | Reproduction | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thallophyta | Thallus | Absent | Spores (cryptogam) | Spirogyra, Ulva |
| Bryophyta | Thalloid/leafy; rhizoids | Absent | Spores; water needed | Funaria, Marchantia |
| Pteridophyta | Root–stem–leaf | Present | Spores (sori) | Pteris, Adiantum |
| Gymnosperms | Root–stem–leaf | Present | Seeds (naked) | Cycas, Pinus |
| Angiosperms | Root–stem–leaf | Present | Seeds in fruits | Monocots / Dicots |
✅ Colourful Smart Notes Ready — Questions in red, answers in green. Fully mobile-friendly.