Plants are classified according to how they feed, their physical features and how they reproduce. The main plant groups are vascular plants and bryophytes.
Vascular
Vascular plants are in the phylum tracheophyta. They contain vascular bundles, which are cylindrical arrangements of transport cells that carry nutrients and liquids throughout the plant. Most plants are in this phylum. The five main classes of vascular plants are angiosperms, conifers, cycads, gingkos and ferns.
- The angiosperms are the largest class of vascular plants. They always develop seeds inside the flower, which later becomes the fruit. The flowers of this class can vary from large brightly coloured flowers to small tiny ones.
- The conifers don't produce seeds in fruit like the angiosperms. They instead produce seeds on scales of the woody cone. An example is a pine tree. Conifers prefer cooler climates.
- Cycads live in tropical environments. They produce seeds in cones.
-The class ginkgopsida doesn't have many members, actually only one. Ginkgo biloba is native to china. It produces seeds in cones but unlike other cone-bearing plants it shed leaves in winter.
- Ferns have no seeds and reproduce through spores. The spore cases grow on the leaves and when they are ready, they open and release spores. Spores can grow new plants if they land in fertile soil.
Bryophytes
Bryophytes include liverworts and mosses. These plants are quite small and don't have true roots or a well-developed vascular system. They like moist environments and cool places.
Fungi
Fungi do not have photosynthesis so unlike plants they can not make they’re on food. Therefore they must feed on other plants and animals and form symbiotic relationships. Mushrooms, toadstools and moulds are examples of fungi.
Monera
All bacteria are known as monera. Bacteria can be helpful or harmful.
Protists
This kingdom contains two phylum – algae and protozoa. In this kingdom there are seaweeds, slime moulds and amoebas.