Question

What is the structure of gymnosperms?

Answer 1

Hint: The word “gymnosperm” is derived from two Greek words – “gymnos” meaning naked and “Sperma” meaning seed; therefore, gymnosperm means naked seeds. Gymnosperms produce seeds without fruits.

Complete answer:
In gymnosperms, the ovules are not enclosed within the ovary wall. It is exposed before fertilization and remains exposed after fertilization and before seed development. The stems can either be branched or unbranched. The leaves are needle-like, with sunken stomata and thick cuticles to reduce water loss.

Gymnosperms have two types of haploid spores. These are called microspores and megaspores. They are produced in sporangia. These sporangia are present on the micro and megasporophylls respectively. The sporophylls are arranged spirally along an axis. This arrangement is known as cones or stability.

Gymnosperms have very few species. The main reason for this is that the seeds do not have any protection from animals, weather conditions, or other factors. The seeds have to reach the ground immediately after being released or they risk being damaged.

Additional information Both angiosperms and gymnosperms are seed-bearing plants. Angiosperms are more diverse than gymnosperms. The higher diversity indicates that angiosperms are adapted to many different types of terrestrial ecosystems. Another major characteristic of angiosperms is its flowers and the production of fruits. The primary reason for gymnosperms being less diverse is the absence of protection of seeds.

Note: Both angiosperms and gymnosperms are seed-bearing plants. They have a few similarities. The presence of these similarities is due to the fact that they may have shared common ancestors. Angiosperms evolved at least 200 million years after the first gymnosperms were present.