Gymnosperms differ from angiosperms in that they:
a. Produce seeds in cones
b. Are non-vascular
c. Lack seeds
d. Produce flowers
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is: a. Produce seeds in cones
Explanation:
Gymnosperms and angiosperms are both major groups of seed-producing plants, but they have distinct differences, especially in how they produce and protect their seeds.
- Seeds and Seed Protection:
- Gymnosperms produce seeds that are not enclosed within an ovary. Instead, their seeds develop on the surface of specialized structures called cones (also called strobili). The word “gymnosperm” literally means “naked seed” because the seeds are exposed and not enclosed within a fruit.
- Angiosperms, on the other hand, produce seeds enclosed within a fruit. The seeds develop inside an ovary, which matures into a fruit. This is a key characteristic distinguishing angiosperms from gymnosperms.
- Reproductive Structures:
- Gymnosperms reproduce using cones—there are typically male cones that produce pollen and female cones that produce ovules and later seeds.
- Angiosperms reproduce using flowers, which contain the reproductive organs. Flowers facilitate pollination often with the help of animals or wind and lead to the formation of fruits.
- Vascular Tissue:
- Both gymnosperms and angiosperms are vascular plants, meaning they have specialized tissues (xylem and phloem) to transport water, nutrients, and food. So, option b (are non-vascular) is incorrect because gymnosperms are vascular.
- Seed Presence:
- Gymnosperms do have seeds, so option c (lack seeds) is incorrect.
- Flower Production:
- Gymnosperms do not produce flowers, so option d (produce flowers) is incorrect.
Summary:
Gymnosperms are seed-producing plants that bear “naked” seeds typically on cones. Unlike angiosperms, which enclose their seeds in fruits and produce flowers, gymnosperms rely on cones for reproduction. They are vascular plants, and their seeds are exposed rather than enclosed. This fundamental difference in seed protection and reproductive structures is a primary way to distinguish gymnosperms from angiosperms.