Taxonomic Classification and Plant Anatomy

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to plant taxonomy, anatomy, and reproduction.

Kingdom

The highest taxonomic rank in the hierarchy, grouping organisms based on fundamental traits; example: Plantae.

Phylum

A rank used in biological classification, grouping together organisms based on major body plans; example: Angiospermae.

Class

A classification rank below phylum, grouping organisms with similar characteristics; example: Dicotyledonae.

Genus

A taxonomic category comprising one or more species that are closely related; example: Rosa.

Species

The basic unit of biological classification, a group of individuals that can interbreed; example: Rosa rugosa.

Subspecies

A taxonomic rank below species, indicating variations typically geographically isolated; example: Pinus contorta subsp. contorta.

Variety

A minor taxonomic category indicating subtle morphological differences among locally isolated populations.

Cultivar

A plant variety that has been produced in cultivation by selective breeding; usually enclosed in single quotes.

Inflorescence

The arrangement of flowers on a plant, can be simple or compound.

Gynoecium

The female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of one or more carpels.

Monoecious

Plants that have both male and female flowers on the same individual.

Dioecious

Plants that have distinct male and female individual organisms.

Apocarpous

A condition of the gynoecium in which there are multiple separate carpels.

Syncarpous

A condition of the gynoecium where multiple carpels are fused into a single pistil.

Parthenocarpy

The development of fruit without fertilization, leading to seedless fruits; example: bananas.

Desiccation

The process of losing most moisture.

Imbibition

The absorption of water by seeds, initiating the germination process.

Calyx

The collective term for the sepals of a flower.

Corolla

The collective term for the petals of a flower.