How to Research Plants

The plantae kingdom (plants) is a member of the Eurkarya domain and is composed of the following phyla: Anthophyta, Bryophyta, Coniferophyta, Filicophyta, Ginkophyta and Sphenophyta. Linnaeus' system originally included fungi and algae in the plant kingdom, but these have since been moved into their own kingdom. The following steps will aid in your search for information about the plant kingdom.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Search biology and taxonomy websites to learn what distinguishes plants from the other kingdoms. The cell walls of plants are composed of cellulose which supports the plant. Another unique characteristic of plants is that they are capable of photosynthesis.
2. Read up on botany. The cell wall of a plant is not permeable, meaning it does not allow material to pass through it. Plants use a large central vacuole to store chemicals and water.
3. Look for information on photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process of using light, water and carbon dioxide to store chemical energy in the form of sugar. Plants also remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and add oxygen. Plants are at the bottom of all food chains, making all animal life dependent on them.
4. Study paleobiology to know that bryophytes (hornworts, liverworts and mosses) are thought to be the first plants and appeared more than one-half billion years ago. Plants first appeared on land about 400 million years ago and the first seed plants appeared about 350 million years ago. Flowering plants are about 200 million years old and the most recent major group of plants. They are also the most common type of plant in most environments.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• Flexible Scheduling, Online Programs, Get Info Now