Classification of Plants Class 2

Classification of Plants

Plants are living organisms. Plants have different sizes and shapes. There are many types of plants in the world, which can be classified into a few main groups based on their different properties.

Plants are classified as:

a) Trees
b) Shrubs
c) Herbs
d) Creepers
e) Climbers

Definition of Trees

Trees are the kind of plants that are tall and big. Trees give us food, air and shelter, and maintain climate among many other uses.

Characteristics of Trees

a) Trees have woody structures.
b) They have a strong, single stem called a trunk, which supports their branches, leaves, and sometimes flowers or fruits.
c) Trees long life generally up to many decades or centuries.
d) Trees provide us with fresh oxygen, they absorb carbon dioxide, and thus clean the air we breathe. That's why trees are very beneficial to us and our environment.

Examples of Trees

Definition of Shrubs

The shrub doesn't have a thick or hard trunk. A shrub is generally small to medium in size.

Characteristics of Shrubs

a) Shrubs are a kind of plants that are similar to trees, but they possess many different stems instead of a single trunk.
b) Shrubs usually don't grow very tall and are bushy and compact.
c) Shrubs can have varying lifespans. Some shrubs may live up to several decades and others may live up to one or two decades only.
d) They provide beauty, structure, and habitat for various wildlife.

Examples of Shrubs

Definition of Herbs

Plants having green and soft stems are known as herbs. Their branches are the same throughout the entire stem.

Characteristics of Herbs

a) Herbs are generally smaller in size compared to trees and shrubs.
b) Herb stems are generally green, and non-woody. Bendable and flexible are the properties of their stem.
c) Herbs are generally short-lived plants that typically complete their life cycle in one year or two years.
d) Herbs are an important part of ancient medicine, such as peppermint is used to ease digestion.

Examples of Herbs

Definition of Climbers

Climbers are plants that climb up the nearby plants for support as their stems are too weak to stand on their own.

Characteristics of Climbers

a) Climbers have the ability to climb upward by their stems to grip onto some surfaces or objects for mechanical support.
b) Tendrils are special structures present in climbers which are flexible and thin stems used to wrap around objects so that the plant climbs.
c) Few climbers complete their life span in a single season but some keep growing year after year in different seasons.
d) Climbers are beneficial as they can provide shade, reduce heat, and improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.

Examples of Climbers

Definition of Creepers

Creepers are plants that spread and grow on the ground because they have too weak stems that lack the capability to stand straight.

Characteristics of Creepers

a) Creepers grow horizontally on the land or other surfaces.
b) By covering the ground or other surfaces creepers 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.

Examples of Creepers

Classification of Plants on the Basis of Their Habitats

Plants are classified into different categories on the basis of their natural environment or habitat. They are divided broadly into two categories:

a) Aquatic plants
b) Non-aquatic plants

Definition of Aquatic Plants

Plants found in water sources such as rivers, ponds, oceans etc. are known as aquatic plants.

Characteristics of Aquatic Plants

a) Aquatic plants are plants that are found growing in areas with a lot of water or in different water bodies.
b) Instead of growing in soil, they live in water.
c) They can be found in different places like ponds, lakes, rivers, seas and even oceans.
d)They may be floating on the water's surface or may be present completely underwater.
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.

Examples of Aquatic Plants

Definition of Non-aquatic Plants

Non-aquatic plants, as the name suggests are plants that grow away from water.

Characteristics of Non-aquatic Plants

a) These plants grow on land.
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) Non-aquatic plants also called terrestrial plants provide fresh oxygen for breathing, shelter and food for humans, animals and insects.
e) Although they don't grow in water still non-aquatic plants need water to make their food along with other ingredients such as sunlight.
f) These plants are generally seen in soil-based surroundings and possess strong roots to help them absorb water from the soil.

Examples of Non-aquatic Plants

Classification of Plants Based on Their Ability to Produce Flowers

Plants can also be categorised into two groups on their ability to produce flowers:

a) Flowering plants
b) Non-flowering plants

Flowering Plants

Definition of Flowering Plants

These types of plants produce flowers.

Characteristics of Flowering Plants

a) Flowering plants are plants that can produce both fruits and flowers.
b) Flowers are their special structures for reproduction.
c) Flowering plants are present in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes.

Definition of Non-flowering Plants

These plants lack the ability to produce flowers.

Characteristics of Non-flowering Plants

a) Non-flowering plants do not produce fruits or flowers.
b) Instead, they have different ways of reproducing.
c) They are usually simpler in structure compared to flowering plants.

Examples of Non-flowering Plants

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why all plants are green?

Due to chlorophyll. It helps the plant to prepare their food. The plant food-making process is named photosynthesis. But, some plants can have other colours also.

2. What are some famous trees and what makes them special?

Redwood-It is the tallest tree.
Oaktree-It is famous for its strong wood.

3. What is the difference between flowering and non-flowering plants?

Flowering plants have flowers and produce fruits with seeds like roses and lilies. Non-flowering plants do not have flowers and reproduce differently like ferns and mosses.

4. What are ferns?

Ferns come under the category of non-flowering plants having feathery leaves and reproduce through spores. They often appear in forests and wet places.

5. What do lichens look like, and where are they found?

Visually lichens are small patches of different colours on trees and rocks. They are an association of algae and fungi.