What is a monocot?

A monocot is defined specifically as a plant that has one seed leaf, also known as a cotyledon. This characteristic distinguishes it from other types of plants, particularly dicots, which have two seed leaves. Monocots are part of the classification system for angiosperms (flowering plants) and exhibit several defining features beyond just the number of seed leaves, including parallel leaf venation, fibrous root systems, and floral parts typically in multiples of three.

While flowering plants encompass both monocots and dicots, the defining aspect of a monocot is strictly related to the single cotyledon present during its seed stage. Similarly, the option regarding multiple seed leaves would pertain to dicots, and the choice related to plants growing in water does not pertain to the classification of seed leaves at all. Therefore, understanding the unique trait of having one seed leaf clearly identifies what makes a plant a monocot.