Gnetophyta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gnetophytes |
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| A Welwitschia mirabilis plant | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: |
Gnetophyta
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| Class: |
Gnetopsida
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| Families & genera | |
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see text |
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The Gnetophytes are a special group of seed plants. They are unique because they share features with both flowering plants and conifers. There are only three main types, or genera, of Gnetophytes left today. Scientists are still learning about how these plants are related to other plants and to each other.
Meet the Gnetophytes
The three main types of Gnetophytes are:
Scientists have studied how these plants look (their structure) and their DNA. They found that Gnetum and Welwitschia are more closely related to each other. They are like cousins who are closer than they are to Ephedra. This helps us understand the evolution of these interesting plants.
Images for kids
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A Welwitschia mirabilis plant with male cones
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Ephedra distachya showing its male cones
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A female Ephedra distachya plant in bloom
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Male cones of Gnetum gnemon
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A female cone of Gnetum gnemon
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A female cone from Ephedra californica
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See also
In Spanish: Gnetales para niños
