Question

Describe the important characteristics of gymnosperms.

Answer 1

Hint: “Gymnosperm” comes from the Greek words “gymnos” which means ‘naked’ and “sperma” which means ‘seed’, So it is called known “Naked seeds.” Angiosperms are the seed making plants and the gymnosperms produce seeds without fruits. These plants develop on the top of scales or leaves, or at the end of stalks. They are from the kingdom ‘Plantae‘ and subkingdom ‘Embryophyta’. The fossil evidence clearly suggested that they originated during the Paleozoic era.
Commonly, gymnosperms’ ovules are not enclosed within the ovary wall, unlike the angiosperms. It lasts exposed before and after fertilization, and before developing into a seed. Their stems can be branched or unbranched.

Complete answer:
Important characteristics of ‘Gymnosperms’:-
> Gymnosperms are from the kingdom ‘Plantae‘.
> They are found in colder regions.
> They do not make flowers.
> Seeds are not found inside a fruit, They are naked.
> They make needle-like leaves.
> They are perennial or woody and formed trees or bushes.
> They do not have an ovary, style, and stigma.
> They are pollinated directly by the wind.
> The male gametophytes make two gametes, but only one of them is useful.
> The seeds have endosperm, which stores food for the growth and development of the plant.
> These plants have vascular tissues which helps them for their transportation of nutrients and water.
> Xylem does not have vessels.
> The phloem does not have companion cells and sieve tubes.

Note:
Gymnosperms are called Amphibian of the plant kingdom because they need water for their reproduction.
Gymnosperms are non-flowering plants and they are from the subkingdom Embryophyta.
The gymnosperms are categorized as- Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, Gnetophyta, Coniferophyta.