Leaf Classification

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Leaf Classification

• 5th Grade
• Living Systems
• Investigation 2 Vascular Plants

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Classification

• Classify scientists organize, or classify,
  things by putting them in groups based on similar
  properties or behaviors.
• Classification helps scientists think about
  concepts or efficiently.

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How Leaves Are Classified

• Classified by the basic pattern on veins
• There are 3 patterns to help classify leaves
• Palmate
• Pinnate
• Parallel

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Palmate Leaf

• Several veins extending from the place where the
  leaf stem attaches to the leaf.

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Pinnate Leaf

• Pinnate Leaf One large vein extending the length
  of the leaf with smaller veins branching off.
• Pinna means feather, so pinnate leaf resembles a
  feather.

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Parallel Leaf

• Parallel Many small veins running the length of
  the leaf.
• Long, narrow leaves, like blades of grass, tend
  to have parallel veins.

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Other Ways to Classify Leaves

• Leaf shape (blade)
• Kind of edge (margin) on the leaf
• Kind of attachment to the stem (petiole)
• Venation Palmate, pinnate, and parallel