are epidermis and epithelium tissues same?

Epithelial tissue is present in animals while epidermis is present in plants. They are similar in function as they provide protection from the external environment to the animals and plants respectively. 

Epithelial tissue covers body surfaces and lines the inside of body cavities, organs and glands.

Functions:

1. Protection from physical injury and sun radiation
2. Infection control of permeability to avoid fluid loss from underlying tissues
3. Secretion of required substances by specialized clusters of epithelial cells that form glands. 

Epidermis is a single-layered group of cells that covers the leaves, flowers, roots and stems of plants. It forms a boundary between the plant and the external environment.

Functions:

1. Protects against water loss
2. Regulates gas exchange
3. Secretes metabolic compounds
4. Absorbs water and mineral nutrients