Classification of Plants - Class 2 Notes & Olympiad Questions

Classification of Plants

Plants are living organisms that come in all shapes and sizes. There are many types of plants in the world, but we can categorize them into a few main groups based on their characteristics.

These are some categories of plants:

Trees

a) Trees are a type of plant known for their tall and woody structure.
b) They have a strong, single stem called a trunk, which supports their branches, leaves, and sometimes flowers or fruits.
c) Trees are generally long-lived plants that can survive for many decades or even centuries.
d) Trees provide numerous benefits to our environment and well-being. They produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, and help to clean the air we breathe.
e) Some common types of trees include oak, maple, pine, and palm trees.

Examples of Trees

Shrubs

a) Shrubs are another type of plant, similar to trees, but they are generally smaller and have multiple stems instead of a single trunk.
b) Unlike trees, shrubs usually don't grow as tall and have a more compact and bushy appearance.
c) Shrubs can have varying lifespans. Some can live for several decades, while others may have a shorter lifespan of 10-20 years.
d) They provide beauty, structure, and habitat for various wildlife.
e) Examples of common shrubs include roses, azaleas, hydrangeas, and lilacs.

Examples of Shrubs

Herbs

a) Herbs are generally smaller in size compared to trees and shrubs.
b) Herb stems are typically soft, green, and non-woody. Their stems are often flexible and easily bendable.
c) Herbs are generally short-lived plants that typically complete their life cycle in one year or two years.
d) Herbs are often used in traditional medicine, such as peppermint is commonly used to aid digestion.
e) Some common herbs include basil, rosemary, lavender, oregano, and mint.

Examples of Herbs

Climbers

a) Climber plants are called climbers because they have the ability to climb upward using their stems to grip onto other objects or surfaces for support.
b) Some climbers have special structures called tendrils, which are thin, flexible stems that can wrap around objects and help the plant climb.
c) Certain climbers complete their life cycle within a single season, while others keep growing year after year.
d) Climbers are beneficial as they can provide shade, reduce heat, and improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.
e) A few common climbers include clematis, wisteria, jasmine, climbing roses, and grapevines etc.

Examples of Climbers

Creepers

a) Creepers are a type of plant that grows horizontally along the ground or other surfaces.
b) Creepers can spread and cover the ground or other surfaces and provide a carpet-like appearance.
c) The lifespan of a creeper plant can vary depending on the type of plant. Some grow only for a single season. Others can live for multiple years.
d) Creepers also help in preventing soil erosion and retain moisture.
e) A few creeper plants are Watermelon, periwinkle, and sweet potato etc.

Examples of Creepers

Classification of Plants on the Basis of their Habitats

Plants can be classified into different categories based on their habitat or natural environment. The types of plants can be broadly divided into two groups: Aquatic plants and Non-aquatic plants.

Aquatic Plants

a) Aquatic plants are plants that grow in water or areas with a lot of water.
b) Instead of growing in soil, they live in water.
c) They can be found in different places like ponds, lakes, rivers, and even oceans.
d) Aquatic plants can be either completely underwater or floating on the water's surface.
e) They provide oxygen for the animals living in the water and also offer food and shelter to many aquatic creatures, such as fish and insects.
f) Water Lily, Lotus, and Seagrass are a few examples of aquatic plants.

List of Aquatic Plants

Non-Aquatic Plants

a) Non-aquatic plants are plants that grow on land, away from water.
b) They are also known as terrestrial plants.
c) They are the ones we see around us in gardens, parks, forests, and other places.
d) Terrestrial plants provide oxygen and food for insects, animals and humans.
e) Non-aquatic plants do not grow in water but they do need water along with sunlight and other nutrients to grow.
f) Some examples are oak trees, sunflowers, daisies, roses, tomatoes, carrots, and herbs like basil and mint.

List of Non Aquatic Plants

Classification of Plants Based on their Ability to Produce Flowers

Plants can be classified into two groups on whether or not they can produce flowers. These are flowering plants and non-flowering plants.

Flowering Plants

a) Flowering plants are plants that can produce flowers.
b) Flowers are their special structures for reproduction.
c) They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colours.
d) Examples of flowering plants include roses, sunflowers, tulips, and daisies.

List of Flowering Plants

Non-flowering Plants

a) Non-flowering plants are plants that do not produce flowers.
b) Instead, they have different ways of reproducing.
c) They are usually simpler in structure compared to flowering plants.
d) Examples of non-flowering plants include ferns, mosses, conifers (such as pine trees), and certain types of algae.

List of Non Flowering Plants