MONOCOTYLEDONS Meaning and
Definition
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Monocotyledons, commonly known as monocots, are a group of flowering plants that belong to the class Liliopsida (or the Liliopsida subclass of Magnoliopsida) within the angiosperms, or flowering plants. They are one of the two main groups of angiosperms, the other being dicotyledons (or dicots).
The name "monocotyledons" is derived from the fact that these plants typically possess a single embryonic leaf, known as a cotyledon, in their seeds. This distinguishing characteristic sets them apart from dicots, which have two cotyledons.
Monocots encompass a wide range of plants, including grasses, lilies, orchids, palms, and many more diverse species. They exhibit several shared characteristics that further differentiate them from dicots. Monocots generally possess long, narrow leaves with parallel veins, as opposed to the branching veins commonly seen in dicot leaves. Their flower parts are often in multiples of three, such as three petals or three stamens. Additionally, their vascular bundles are scattered across the stem, rather than arranged in a ring as seen in dicots.
Monocots play essential roles in ecosystems as they provide food, shelter, and habitats for various organisms. They also have commercial significance, with cereals like rice, wheat, and corn being monocots and major food sources for humans worldwide. Furthermore, monocots have applications in horticulture, pharmaceuticals, and other industries due to their aesthetic appeal and medicinal properties. The study of monocotyledons is crucial for understanding plant diversity and the functions of these plants in the natural world.
Common Misspellings for MONOCOTYLEDONS
Etymology of MONOCOTYLEDONS
The word "monocotyledons" is derived from two Greek words: "mono", meaning "single", and "kotyledon", meaning "seed leaf". "Monocotyledons" refers to a group of flowering plants that have a single embryonic seed leaf, or cotyledon, in their seeds. This term was coined in the mid-19th century to distinguish these plants from the "dicotyledons" or "dicots", which have two cotyledons.
Similar spelling words for MONOCOTYLEDONS
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