What are the differences and similarities between a plant's transport system and a human's digestive system?

A plant’s transport system and the human digestive system can be compared and contrasted. Similarities and differences of each system are identified below.

Similarities between a plant’s transport system and the human digestive system:

• Both systems transport nutrients and wastes throughout the body.


• Transportation is done within tube-like structures in both systems.

Differences between a plant’s transport system and the human digestive system:

• A human’s digestive system is made of organs. The organs of a human’s digestive system include the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, pancreas, colon, and anus. The transport system of a plant is made of tissues. Xylem and phloem are the tissues of a plant’s transport system.


• The function of a human’s digestive system is to break down food that has been ingested. The function of a plant’s transport system is to deliver substances throughout the plant.