How many cotyledons are found in monocots?

Monocots, or monocotyledons, are a group of flowering plants that are characterized by having a single cotyledon, which is the first leaf that emerges from a seed during germination. This single cotyledon plays a critical role in the early development of the plant, providing nutrients until the true leaves develop and begin photosynthesis.

In contrast, other plant groups, like dicots (or dicotyledons), contain two cotyledons. The presence of one cotyledon in monocots is a key feature that differentiates them from dicots, making this aspect essential for classifying and understanding plant biology and evolution. This distinction in cotyledon number also contributes to various morphological and physiological traits observed in the two groups, such as leaf venation patterns, root systems, and flower structures.