Simple, thalloid plants without true roots, stems, or leaves. Mostly aquatic, performing photosynthesis. They form the base of many aquatic food webs.

• Characteristics: Lack vascular tissue, unicellular or multicellular, chlorophyll-bearing, reproduce via spores.
• Habitat: Freshwater, marine, moist soil, tree barks.

"Amphibians of the plant kingdom" — require water for reproduction. Small, non-vascular plants that form soft green carpets.

• Characteristics: No true vascular tissue, rhizoids instead of roots, dominant gametophyte generation.
• Ecology: Moist & shaded areas, prevent soil erosion, indicator species.

First vascular plants (with xylem & phloem). They reproduce via spores, not seeds, and have large fronds.

• Features: True roots, stems, leaves; vascular tissue; spores on leaf underside.
• Presence: Tropical & temperate forests, ancient lineage from Devonian period.

"Naked seed" plants. Seeds are not enclosed in an ovary; usually produced in cones. Mostly evergreen trees.

• Traits: Ovules exposed on megasporophylls, tracheids in xylem, wind-pollinated.
• Ecology: Form vast coniferous forests, important timber resources.

Most diverse and advanced plant group — flowering plants with enclosed seeds inside fruits. Dominant in most ecosystems.

• Distinct features: Flowers, fruits, double fertilization, highly efficient vascular system.
• Diversity: 300,000+ species; divided into monocots & dicots.