Which feature distinguishes monocots from dicots in terms of cotyledons?

Monocots are characterized by having one cotyledon, which is an embryonic leaf that typically serves as the nutrient source for the developing plant before it can produce true leaves. This single cotyledon is a primary distinguishing feature between monocots and dicots, the latter of which have two cotyledons. The number of cotyledons is a critical aspect of classification in flowering plants, helping to differentiate these two major groups. In addition to cotyledon count, monocots typically exhibit other morphological characteristics such as parallel leaf venation, a fibrous root system, and flower parts in multiples of three, further solidifying their classification.