What is the difference between vascular and nonvascular plants? Give an example of each.

Answer 1

Vascular plants, also known as tracheophytes, are plants that have specialized tissues to transport water, nutrients, and sugars throughout the plant body. These plants have well-developed root systems, stems, and leaves. The vascular tissue consists of xylem, which transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant, and phloem, which transports sugars and other organic compounds throughout the plant.

On the other hand, nonvascular plants, also known as bryophytes, lack specialized tissues for transporting water and nutrients. These plants are typically small and do not have true roots, stems, or leaves. Instead, they have simple structures for absorption and conduction. Nonvascular plants rely on osmosis and diffusion to absorb and distribute water and nutrients.

An example of a vascular plant is a maple tree (Acer), which has a well-developed root system, a trunk (stem), and leaves with veins for transporting water, nutrients, and sugars.

An example of a nonvascular plant is moss (Bryophyta), which lacks true roots, stems, and leaves. Moss absorbs water and nutrients directly through its entire body.