Q. Illustrate Morphological Evidence?

Morphology is the study of structure and form of plants and animals usually dealing with the organism and its component organs. Morphological evidence provides the basic language for plant characterisation, identification, classification and relationship. Morphological data are easily observable and obtainable, and thus most frequent1 used in taxonomic studies. The growth habit of herbaceous or woody plants is useful in classification. The root structural types like tap root system (Fusiform, Napiform) and adventitious root systems (Fascicled, Fibrous) classify plants into two major groups namely monocots and dicots. In monocots the number of cotyledons is one (corn) and these are characterised by adverititious roots while in dicots the number of cotyledons is two (Lima Bean, Castor Bean) and these are characterised by tap root system.

Vegetative underground structures such as rhizomes, corms, and bulbs also characterise a group. Also the classification of plants into two groups namely dicots and monocots is based on the arrangement of leaves and their venation. Monocots are characterised by parallel venation, while dicots are characterised by reticulate venation.