Question

Why are floral features used for the identification of angiosperms?

Answer 1

Floral features:

1. Calyx- that includes number, colour, whether they are united or free, their aestivation, etc.
2. Corolla-The number of corollas, their arrangement (aestivation), whether they are united or free, and so on.
3. Androecium- number, arrangement, position, whether they are attached to petals or not, the shape of the anther, etc.
4. Gynoecium- number of carpels, whether they are united or free, the position of the ovary with respect to other parts, placentation, etc.

The reason why floral features are used instead of vegetative characters.

1. It is a conservative character meaning it does not change with the generation.
2. It is a stable character, which means it doesn't vary with the environment.
3. Vegetative characters are affected by the environment and changes are observed in shape, size, etc.
4. Hence floral characters are permanent characters and are used for the identification of angiosperms.

For example,

Solanaceae has a bilocular and bicarpellary gynoecium, whereas Liliaceae has a tricarpellary and trilocular gynoecium.