Difference between Flowering Plants and Conifers

Flowering plants and conifers, as the name suggests, are flower and cone producing plants, respectively. While flowering plants belong to angiosperms, conifers belong to gymnosperms. More than 300,00 species of flowering plants are known to man. Conifers are usually found in cooler climates where they adapt themselves to resist freezing. They have a narrow, drooping built, which helps in shedding the snow. Conifer forests serve as a major carbon sink.

Let us look at the differences between flowering plants and conifers to know more.

Definition
Flowering Plants	Conifers
Flowering plants are a vast group of plants that produce flowers and seeds enclosed in a fruit.	Conifers are woody plants that produce naked seeds on a cone.
Classification
They belong to the group of angiosperms.	They belong to the division Pinophyta under gymnosperms.
Seeds
Seeds are covered by fruits.	Seeds are naked on the cones.
Type of plant
They are found in the form of trees, herbs, vines, and shrubs.	They always grow in the form of trees, sometimes shrubs.
Pollination
Birds and insects are pollinators for flowering plants.	Conifers are wind-pollinated.
Examples
Mango, papaya, hibiscus, rose, cabbage, buttercup, etc	Cedars, cypresses, firs, junipers, pines, hemlocks, spruces, yews, etc
Reproductive structure
Androecium and gynoecium are male and female reproductive structures, which are found inside the flower.	The reproductive structures are found inside the cones in the form of sporangium.
Endosperm
Endosperm is present in the seed.	Endosperm is absent.
Life cycle
They are not perennials, and bear fruits and flowers in particular seasons.	They are evergreen perennials.
Wood
They produce hardwood.	They produce softwood.
Economic importance
It provides food for humans and livestock. Used to extract medicines. Produces cotton, flax, and wood. Provide beverages like coffee and cocoa.	Softwood aids in 45% of the world’s lumber production. Production of paper and plastic from wood pulp. Pine nuts and juniper berries are used as fruits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are flowering plants and conifers different?

Flowering plants produce seeds covered in fruits whereas conifers produce naked seeds.

What are the similarities between flowering plants and conifers?

Flowering plants and conifers, both belong to the higher group of plants. They are differentiated into roots, shoots and leaves. They do not require water for fertilization.

What are conifer flowers?

Conifers like fir, spruce, and juniper produce small cones which are called strobili. They contain naked seeds.

Are conifers flowering or non-flowering?

Conifers are non-flowering plants.

What is the difference between flowers and trees?

A flower is the reproductive part of a plant, whereas a tree is the complete plant with roots, shoots, leaves, flowers and fruits.

What is the difference between a flowering plant and a non-flowering plant?

Flowering plants produce flowers and seeds for reproduction, whereas non-flowering plants produce cones and naked seeds for reproduction.

What are three examples of flowering plants?

Orchids, peas and avocados are three examples of flowering plants.

What are flowering plants also called?

Flowering plants are also called angiosperms.

What are the two types of flowering plants?

The two types of flowering plants are monocots and dicots.