How would you distinguish monocots from dicots?
Explanation Although the cotyledon count serves as the basis for classifying angiosperms into two main classes: monocots and dicots. But the cotyledon count in the seed is not the only distinguishing feature of these two groups. Significant differences can be observed in their anatomical as well as morphological features such as root anatomy, stem anatomy, number of members in floral whorls, etc. Monocot Monocots bear seeds that have only one seed leaf or cotyledon known as the scutellum. The leaves of monocot plants show parallel venation and no distinct midrib is present. The root system of monocots is typically fibrous. Most of the monocots lack the cambium and hence secondary growth is not observed in them. The members of floral whorls appear in multiples of three. Examples: Maize, Rice, Garlic, etc. Dicot Dicots bear seeds that have two cotyledons or seed leaves. These store food for the embryo. The leaves of dicot plants exhibit reticulate venation and they have a distinct midrib in the center of the lamina. Dicots have a tap root system. Cambium is present in both stem and root hence secondary growth is observed. The members of floral whorls in dicot flowers appear in multiples of fours and fives. Example: Bean, Sweet pea, mustard, Carrot, etc. Final Answer Monocots or monocotyledonous plants produce seeds that bear only one cotyledon also known as Scutellum.Theirleaves exhibit parallel venation and they have a fibrous root system. They lack secondary growth. E.g. Maize, wheat, etc. Dicots or dicotyledonous plants produce seeds that bear two cotyledons. Their leaves exhibit reticulate venation and they have a tap root system. Secondary growth is observed in most of the dicots. E.g. Bean, Mustard, etc.
