Question

Explain the difference between :

(a) Flowering and non-flowering plants.

(b) Trees and shrubs.

(c) Vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

Answer 1

(a)The difference between flowering and non–flowering plants are as follows:

	Flowering plants	Non–flowering plants
1.	Flowering plants possess flowers so they reproduce sexually by forming seeds.	Non–flowering plants do not bear flowers so sexual reproduction occurs either through spores or naked seeds.
2.	Seeds are enclosed inside the fruit.	Seeds are either absent or if present, remain naked as in conifers.
3.	Flowering plants produce fruits.	Non–flowering plants do not produce fruits.
4.	Flowering plants are highly evolved and recent group of plants.	Non–flowering plants are more primitive than flowering plants.

(b) The difference between trees and shrubs are as follows:

	Trees	Shrubs
1.	Trees grow very tall.	Shrubs are of medium height of about 2–3 m.
2.	In trees, stems branch in the upper part.	In shrubs, stems begin to branch out close to the ground.
3.	Trees have thick stem.	Stem of a shrub is not very thick.

(c) The difference between vertebrate and invertebrate animals are as follows:

	Vertebrate animals	Invertebrate animals
1.	Vertebrates are characterized by the presence of vertebral column.	Invertebrates do not possess vertebral column.
2.	Vertebrates have highly developed brain.	Invertebrates have less developed brain.
3.	Vertebrates have skin and an additional covering of scales, hair or feathers for protection.	Invertebrates do not have skin, scales, hair or feathers.
4.	Vertebrates are advanced animals.	Invertebrates are primitive as compared to vertebrates.