SYNOPSIS OF THE MAIN GROUPS OF THE 

 VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 



Subkingdom I. Thallophyta. Thallophytes. 



Body of the plant not differentiated into root, stem, and leaf, as the terms 

 are used in connection with the higher plants. No vascular bundles present. 

 Under the Thallophytes are classified the following main groups : — 



A. Myxomyceles, or slime-moulds, which, in their vegetative state, are 

 masses of protoplasm without cell wall, called Plasmodia. Multiplication by 

 means of asexual spores. Destitute of chlorophyll, and dependent upon 

 organic materials produced by other plants. See Botany, page 252. 



B. Algte. Unicellular or multicellular, with true cell wall. Cells either 

 all alike, or some modified to perform special functions. In most instances 

 possessed of chlorophyll, and providing their own food. Reproduction by 

 division, or by asexual or sexual spores. See Botany, page 269. 



C. Fungi. Unicellular or multicellular, with true cell wall. Cells either 

 all alike, or some modified slightly for special functions. Destitute of chloro- 

 phyll, and living as parasites or saprophytes. The cells are usually thread- 

 like, and are termed hypha. The masses of threads forming the vegetative 

 body of the fungus are termed collectively the mycelium. The hyphse often 

 fuse where they come in contact and form a tissue, such as is found in the 

 toadstools. Reproduction by division, or by asexual or sexual spores. See 

 Botany, page 277. 



Subkingdom II. Bryophyta. Mosses. Liverworts. 



Plant body multicellular, and in the higher forms differentiated into stems 

 and leaves ; but there are no true roots, absorption from the soil being car- 

 ried on by hairs, known as rhizoids. Chlorophyll present. Vascular bundles 

 imperfect or wanting. In the life history of an individual both sexual and 

 asexual generations occur, the former being the more conspicuous, and bear- 

 ing the sexual organs, antheridia and archegonia. Reproduction by buds, 

 asexual spores, and fertilized egg cells. See Botany, page 289. 



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