What is the Difference Between Actinomorphic and Zygomorphic Flower?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The difference between actinomorphic and zygomorphic flowers lies in their symmetry. Here are the key differences:
Actinomorphic Flowers:
- Radially symmetrical, can be divided into two equal halves along any plane passing through the center.
- Also known as regular flowers.
- Examples include roses, lilies, and buttercups.
Zygomorphic Flowers:
- Bilaterally symmetrical, can be divided into two equal halves only along a single vertical plane.
- Also known as irregular flowers.
- Floral parts are usually unequal in size.
- Examples include orchids, sweet pea, and snapdragon.
In summary, actinomorphic flowers have multiple lines of symmetry and can be divided into equal halves along any plane, while zygomorphic flowers have a single line of symmetry and can only be divided into equal halves along one specific vertical plane. Actinomorphic flowers are considered regular, while zygomorphic flowers are considered irregular.
Comparative Table: Actinomorphic vs Zygomorphic Flower
Here is a table comparing the differences between actinomorphic and zygomorphic flowers:
| Feature | Actinomorphic Flowers | Zygomorphic Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetry | Radially symmetrical | Bilaterally symmetrical |
| Plane of Symmetry | Can be divided into two equal halves along any plane passing through the center | Can be divided into two equal halves along a single vertical plane |
| Floral Parts | Usually equal in size | Usually unequal in size |
| Examples | Buttercups, Lily | Jasmine, Orchids |
| Terminology | Regular flowers | Irregular flowers |
| Pollination | Visited by a wider range of pollinators | Visited by a narrower range of pollinators |
| Flower Size Variation | Actinomorphic flower species tend to show greater flower size variation than zygomorphic flower species | Zygomorphic flower species tend to show lower flower size variation than actinomorphic flower species |
Actinomorphic flowers are radially symmetrical and can be divided into two equal halves along any plane passing through the center. Examples include buttercups and lilies. Zygomorphic flowers, on the other hand, are bilaterally symmetrical and can be divided into two equal halves along a single vertical plane. Examples include jasmine and orchids.
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- Zoospore vs Zygospore
- Monocot vs Dicot Flowers
- Flowering vs Nonflowering Plants
- Flower vs Blossom
- Zoospore vs Zygote
- Androecium vs Gynoecium
- Stamen vs Pistil
- Calyx vs Corolla
- Gametic Sporic vs Zygotic Meiosis
- Sporophyte vs Gametophyte
- Oomycetes vs Zygomycetes
- Staminate vs Pistillate
- Pteridophytes vs Phanerogams
- Cryptogams vs Phanerogams
- Pachytene vs Zygotene
- Conidiophore vs Sporangiophore
- Mastigomycotina vs Zygomycota
- Angiosperms vs Gymnosperms