The APG System of Classification

APG (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group) SYSTEM OF CLASSIFICATION is a modern,

phylogenetic classification system for flowering plants (angiosperms).
It is based on genetic (DNA sequence) analysis rather than traditional
morphological characteristics.
The system has undergone multiple revisions, with APG I (1998), APG II (2003),
APG III (2009), and APG IV (2016) being the major updates.
Features of APG Classification System:
1. Phylogenetic Approach: Based on evolutionary relationships determined
through DNA sequencing.
2. Cladistic Analysis: Uses molecular data to create monophyletic groups
(clades).
3. No Formal Ranks: Avoids traditional ranks like class, subclass, or order,
focusing instead on orders and families.
4. Frequent Updates: APG classification evolves with new genetic evidence.

Major APG Systems:

 APG I (1998): First molecular-based classification, introduced new orders
and families.
 APG II (2003): Allowed flexibility in family groupings, introduced optional
broader families.
 APG III (2009): Established a more stable classification with a consensus
on major clades.
 APG IV (2016): Incorporated new families and orders, refining earlier
classifications.

APG II System of Classification (2003)

The Angiosperm Phylogeny Group II (APG II) System is an updated
classification of flowering plants (angiosperms) published in 2003 by the
Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG). It is a revision of the APG I system (1998)

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and is based on molecular phylogenetics, primarily using DNA sequence data
from chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear genes.
This system provides a more natural classification of plants based on their
evolutionary relationships rather than traditional morphological characteristics.

Key Features of the APG II System

1. Phylogenetic Approach
o Based on DNA sequence data to determine relationships between
plants.
o Focuses on monophyletic groups (clades) to ensure a natural
classification.
o Emphasizes evolutionary relationships rather than traditional
characteristics.
2. Improvement Over APG I (1998)
o Introduces optional placements for some families, allowing them to
be classified under multiple orders.
o Recognizes monocots and eudicots as major groups within
angiosperms.
o Provides alternative classifications for some families that were
previously uncertain.
3. Use of Molecular Data
o DNA sequencing of chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear genes
was extensively used.
o Helped clarify relationships between plant families and orders.
o Allowed for reclassification of taxa that were previously
misclassified.
4. Division of Angiosperms into Major Clades
o Angiosperms are divided into monophyletic clades rather than
traditional divisions like Dicots and Monocots.
o Recognizes basal angiosperms, monocots, and eudicots as major
groups.

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 o Within eudicots, core eudicots, rosids, and asterids are further
classified.

Major Groups in the APG II System

1. Basal Angiosperms
 Includes the earliest-diverging lineages of flowering plants.
 Examples: Amborellaceae, Nymphaeaceae (Water lilies),
Austrobaileyales.
 These plants exhibit primitive floral structures and are considered
evolutionarily significant.
2. Monocots
 Characterized by a single seed leaf (cotyledon), parallel leaf venation,
and scattered vascular bundles.
 Orders: Alismatales, Asparagales, Liliales, Arecales, Poales, Zingiberales,
Commelinales.
 Examples: Grasses (Poaceae), Orchids (Orchidaceae), Palms
(Arecaceae), Lilies (Liliaceae), Bananas (Musaceae).
3. Eudicots (True Dicots)
 Characterized by two seed leaves (cotyledons), net-like venation, and
vascular bundles arranged in a ring.
 Divided into Core Eudicots, Rosids, and Asterids.
a) Core Eudicots
 More advanced eudicots with highly specialized floral structures.
 Orders: Caryophyllales, Santalales.
 Examples: Cacti (Cactaceae), Carnations (Caryophyllaceae), Sandalwood
(Santalaceae).
b) Rosids (Divided into Fabids & Malvids)
 Fabids (Rosid I): Orders include Fabales, Rosales, Cucurbitales, Fagales.
 Malvids (Rosid II): Orders include Brassicales, Malvales, Sapindales.

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  Examples: Peas (Fabaceae), Roses (Rosaceae), Mustard (Brassicaceae),
Maples (Sapindaceae), Oaks (Fagaceae).
c) Asterids (Highly Advanced Flowering Plants)
 Orders: Gentianales, Solanales, Lamiales, Asterales, Apiales.
 Examples: Sunflowers (Asteraceae), Mint (Lamiaceae), Carrots
(Apiaceae), Nightshades (Solanaceae), Coffee (Rubiaceae).

Improvements Over APG I (1998)

Feature APG I (1998) APG II (2003)
Classification Basis Molecular Data Improved Molecular Data
Monophyletic Groups Some uncertainty More clearly defined
Optional Placements Not included Included for certain families
Number of Orders 40 45
Number of Families 462 457

Significance of APG II System

1. More Accurate and Natural Classification
o Based on evolutionary history rather than arbitrary morphological
traits.
o Groups plants according to common ancestors, making the
classification more stable.
2. Useful in Botanical Research
o Helps in studying plant evolution and biodiversity.
o Used in plant breeding, agriculture, and conservation.
3. Foundation for Further Classification Systems
o Led to refinements in APG III (2009) and APG IV (2016).
o Helped resolve uncertainties in plant relationships.
4. Application in Agriculture and Medicine

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 o Helps in identifying economically important plants.
o Used in the pharmaceutical industry for plant-based drug
discovery.

Comparison with Traditional Systems

Aspect Traditional Classification APG II System (2003)
(Cronquist, Takhtajan,
Engler)
Basis Morphology, Anatomy Molecular Phylogenetics
Groups Dicotyledons & Clades (Basal
Monocotyledons Angiosperms, Monocots,
Eudicots)
Stability Subjective, based on More stable, based on
physical traits genetic data
Recognition of Less accurate More precise and
Evolutionary scientifically robust
Relationships

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