Question

Where are gymnosperms found?

Answer 1

Hint: Conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes are among the gymnosperms, also known as Acrogymnospermae, a family of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes. The name comes from the fact that their seeds are not enclosed.

Complete answer:
Gymnosperms are seed-producing, flowerless plants. They are members of the Embryophyta subkingdom. "Gymnosperm" literally translates to "naked seed." This is due to the fact that gymnosperm seeds are not encased in an ovary. Instead, gymnosperm seeds are exposed on the surface of bracts, which are leaf-like structures.

Gymnosperms are found in temperate and boreal forest biomes, with populations that can thrive in both wet and dry environments.When it snows, Gymnosperms can be found in colder climates. Cycads, on the other hand, are only present in dry and tropical climates. Gymnosperms, unlike angiosperms, do not grow flowers or berries. They are thought to be the first vascular plants to appear on land, around 245-208 million years ago, during the Triassic Period.

Gymnosperms are plants that, unlike angiosperms, do not have their ovules enclosed within the ovary wall. It is revealed before, during, and after fertilisation, as well as before it develops into a seed. Gymnosperm stems may be either branched or unbranched. These plants' thick cuticle, needle-like leaves, and sunken stomata help them conserve water.

Gymnosperms are divided into four families: Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, Gnetophyta, and Coniferophyta. Gymnosperms have a haploid and diploid life cycle, which means they reproduce by alternating generations. It's a sporophyte-dominant cycle for them. The gametophyte stage is a brief one. Cones are the most common reproductive organs.

Male Cones– These have microsporangia-containing microsporophylls. Haploid microspores are produced by Microsporangium. Only a few microspores mature into male pollen grains, while the rest degenerate. Female Cones– Female cones are formed when megasporophylls cluster together. Megasporangium is contained in their ovules. Megaspore mother cells and haploid megaspores are produced.

Pollen enters the egg through wind or another pollinator, and the pollen grain releases sperm. To form a zygote, the nuclei of male and female gametophytes fuse together. Fertilization is the term for this process. The seed takes the form of scales that can be seen on gymnosperm cones.

Note:
- They produce leaves that resemble needles.
- They grow as trees or bushes and are either perennial or woody.
- They aren't divided by ovary, design, or stigma.
- They are pollinated directly by the wind and the stigma is missing.
- Only one of the two gametes generated by male gametophytes is functional.
- They shape reproductive structures in the form of cones.