Monocots vs. Dicots By: Michelle Lear

Definitions Monocotyledons and dicotyledons are the two main groups of angiosperms, which is a group that contains all flowering plants. There are also some plants that cannot be classified as a monocot or dicot because they exhibit both characteristics. Paleoherbs Flowering plants belong to the pylum Anthophyta. Monocots and dicots are also listed in common taxonomy as their own separate classes. 50,000-60,000 different species of monocotyledons and about 200,000 different species of dicotyledons. Another term was introduced in 1991 by Doyle & Hotton that helped to further classify dicots. This term, eudicots which can also be known as Eudicotyledons, literally means true dicotyledons. Dicots that are not eudicots are called paleodicots.

History These two groups of angiosperms were originally suggested by John Ray in 1682. They did not become very popular until French botanist Antoine Laurent de Jussieu published Genera Plantarum in 1789. The differences between monocots and dicots have since been recognized as extremely obvious. The simple distinction between monocots and dicots has helped to greatly ease the studying of flowering plants. The first question that can always be asked to separate plants is whether it is a monocot or a dicot.

5 Major Differences Although there can be many differences noticed between species of monocots and dicots there is mainly 5 that can be seen throughout almost all plants.

Difference #1 Monocot The first difference between monocots and dicots is the number of flower parts. Monocots have flower parts in multiples of threes, while dicots have flowers is multiples of four or five. Dicot When trying to identify whether a flower is a monocot or dicot, counting the number of petals on the flower is always the best way to begin.

Difference #2 The second difference between monocots and dicots is the arrangement of veins in the leaves. In monocots, leaf veins are parallel to each other, commonly called parallel venation. Dicot leaves however, have a large network of veins called netted venation. Monocot Dicot

Difference #3 Monocots The internal stem anatomy of monocots and dicots is also different. The arrangement of vascular bundles in monocots is scattered, but in dicots vascular bundles are arranged in a ring around the perimeter. Dicots

Difference #4 The fourth difference is number of cotyledons. Cotyledons are the important part of the embryo within the seed of a plant, and they help to become the first leaves. Monocots have one cotyledon, while dicots have two cotyledons. When a seed is germinating, a monocot’s first leaf will be one by itself, but a dicot’s first leaves will be two.

Difference #5 The final difference between monocots and dicots is the root system. In monocots, the secondary roots are the most important and the length of most roots are shorter than dicots. In dicots, the primary root is the most important and less important secondary roots branch off of it. The root of the monocot is called a fibrous root, while the root of the dicot is called a taproot. The taproot, also called a primary root earlier, grows extremely large and only has very small roots breaking off from it. The fibrous root however is ade of many secondary roots and the do not burrow down deep. Instead they stay near the surface and help to collect all water that falls. This type of root is very beneficial in environments where rain comes very lightly and not all at once.

Examples of Monocots Lilies Orchids Daffodils Irises Rice Wheat

Examples of Dicots Daisies Geranium Snapdragon Citrus Violets Poppies

Monocot or Dicot????? 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. Monocot 2. Dicot 3. Dicot 4. Monocot