Bentham and Hooker classified

Options

A. Angiosperms only
B. Gymnosperms only
C. Entire plant kingdom
D. Flowering plants only

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Classification System**: Bentham and Hooker developed a classification system known as the natural system of classification. This system is primarily based on observable similarities among plants.

2. **Focus on Flowering Plants**: The classification by Bentham and Hooker specifically pertains to flowering plants, which are scientifically referred to as angiosperms. They categorized plants into two main groups:
- **Cryptogamia**: Non-flowering plants (like ferns and mosses).
- **Phanerogamia**: Flowering plants.

3. **Further Division of Flowering Plants**: The flowering plants (Phanerogamia) were further divided into three classes:
- **Dichotyledoneae (Dicots)**: Plants with two cotyledons.
- **Gymnospermae**: Plants with seeds that are not enclosed in fruits (like conifers).
- **Monocotyledoneae (Monocots)**: Plants with one cotyledon.

4. **Subclassifications of Dicots**: The class of dicots (Dichotyledoneae) is further divided into three subclasses:
- **Polypetalae**: Plants with separate petals.
- **Gamopetalae**: Plants with fused petals.
- **Monoclamydeae**: Plants with a single whorl of floral organs.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the classification system established by Bentham and Hooker, it is clear that their classification focuses exclusively on flowering plants. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that Bentham and Hooker classified flowering plants only.

**Final Answer**: Bentham and Hooker classified flowering plants only.

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