5th Grade Living Systems Investigation 2 “Vascular Plants” Leaf Classification 5th Grade Living Systems Investigation 2 “Vascular Plants”
Classification Classify: scientists organize, or classify, things by putting them in groups based on similar properties or behaviors. Classification helps scientists think about concepts or efficiently.
How Leaves Are Classified Classified by the basic pattern on veins There are 3 patterns to help classify leaves: Palmate Pinnate Parallel
Palmate Leaf Several veins extending from the place where the leaf stem attaches to the leaf.
Pinnate Leaf Pinnate Leaf: One large vein extending the length of the leaf with smaller veins branching off. Pinna means feather, so pinnate leaf resembles a feather.
Parallel Leaf Parallel: Many small veins running the length of the leaf. Long, narrow leaves, like blades of grass, tend to have parallel veins.
Other Ways to Classify Leaves Leaf shape (blade) Kind of edge (margin) on the leaf Kind of attachment to the stem (petiole) Venation: Palmate, pinnate, and parallel