Which one of the following is the characteristic feature of gymnosperms?

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Question

Which one of the following is the characteristic feature of gymnosperms?

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — Seeds are nakedStep-by-step Solution:The word 'Gymnosperm' is derived from Greek: gymnos = naked, sperma = seed. This etymology itself gives the answer — the defining characteristic of gymnosperms is that their seeds are naked (not enclosed within a fruit/ovary wall). This is in contrast to angiosperms, where ovules are enclosed in an ovary that develops into a fruit enclosing the seeds.Evaluating each option:(A) Gymnosperms have flowers — FALSE: Gymnosperms do NOT bear true flowers. They bear reproductive structures called cones (strobili) — male cones (microsporangiate strobili) and female cones (megasporangiate strobili). True flowers with petals, sepals, and a pistil are characteristic of angiosperms only.(B) Seeds are enclosed in fruits — FALSE: This describes angiosperms, not gymnosperms. In gymnosperms, the ovules (and later seeds) are borne directly on the surface of megasporophylls (cone scales) without being enclosed in an ovary/fruit.(C) Seeds are naked — TRUE: The ovules of gymnosperms are not enclosed in an ovary. After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed, but this seed is exposed/naked on the surface of the megasporophyll — not enclosed in any fruit tissue.(D) Seeds are absent — FALSE: Gymnosperms are seed plants (Spermatophyta). Seeds are very much present. The absence of seeds would characterize pteridophytes and bryophytes.Extended Explanation:Gymnosperms are divided into four living divisions: (1) Cycadophyta (cycads — Cycas, Zamia; palm-like, dioecious, male and female cones on separate plants); (2) Ginkgophyta (Ginkgo biloba — living fossil, dioecious, fan-shaped leaves); (3) Coniferophyta (conifers — Pinus, Cedrus, Abies, Picea, Sequoia; largest group of gymnosperms, monoecious or dioecious, needle-like leaves); (4) Gnetophyta (Gnetum, Ephedra, Welwitschia — most 'advanced' gymnosperms with some angiosperm-like features). Key features of gymnosperms: heterosporous; dominant sporophyte; reduced gametophyte; pollinated by wind (anemophily); no double fertilization (unlike angiosperms); seeds lack endosperm in the same sense (food tissue is the female gametophyte itself).Key Concepts: Gymnosperms, naked seeds, cones (not flowers), classification, no fruit formation, contrast with angiosperms.

Which one of the following is the characteristic feature of gymnosperms?

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Which one of the following is the characteristic feature of gymnosperms?

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