What defines angiosperms?

Angiosperms are defined as flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a fruit. This characteristic distinguishes them from other plant groups. The process of flowering and fruit formation involves complex reproductive structures that facilitate pollination, seed development, and the protection of seeds. The presence of flowers allows for diverse and efficient means of reproduction, as many angiosperms have evolved various strategies to attract pollinators.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of plants. The first option refers to plants that reproduce via spores, which typically includes non-flowering plants like ferns and mosses. The third option describes non-flowering plants with seeds, which points to gymnosperms, such as conifers, that produce seeds but do not form flowers or fruit. Lastly, the fourth option pertains to plants that reproduce vegetatively, which means they can propagate through methods like cutting or budding without involving seeds or flowers, further illustrating the unique nature of angiosperms.