The basic definition for angiosperms is that they are flowering plants. Angiosperms produce a seed or seeds enclosed by a fruit. They also have roots, stems, leaves and flowers. Angiosperms are the biggest group in the animal kingdom. This includes all agricultural crops (corn, wheat, barley, rice), all garden flowers and most horticultural plants. Angiosperms also include all roadside, field and garden weeds and common broad-leaved shrubs and trees.
Angiosperms are of vital importance for both human and animals. This group of plants is important as a food source for both animals and humans, for the provision of oxygen we breathe, as a basic ingredient in many drugs, perfumes, spices and others, and as a source of lumber.
Firstly, angiosperms are essential for consumption by both humans and animals. In fact, angiosperms are said to provide about 80% of the world’s food. The roots, stems, leaves or fruits can be eaten depending on the plant that is being used and what is necessary for the feeder. Many herbivores depend on the stem and leaves as their main source of food. The flowers produce nectar on which many insects and other living organisms depend for their livelihood. Angiosperms produce fruits, and these fruits are a main source of food for humans, other mammals, birds and sometimes fish. Generally, angiosperms produce all the most important food plants that are necessary for human consumption among these are vegetables and cereals.
Apart from being the main source of food, angiosperms also provide consumer goods such as lumber, perfumes, and spices, and are also used in a number of drugs. Hardwood produced from the woody stems of angiosperms is used in the manufacture of building materials. In the pharmaceutical industry the use of angiosperms is widespread. Almost all medicinals have compounds from angiosperms as the basic ingredient.
Most importantly, angiosperms provide oxygen that we need to breathe. It is a fact that plants take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Since angiosperms are the largest group in the plant kingdom they give off a vast amount of oxygen and this is essential for us. Therefore any significant reduction in the amount of angiosperms would greatly impact on our survival.
It can be said then that angiosperms are valuable to the entire ecosystem. Basically humans, animals and most other living organisms depend on angiosperms to survive. Without them our environment, our habitat, our ecosystem would be greatly affected.
