What are the important characters of gymnosperms
What are the important characters of gymnosperms
Answer:
Gymnosperms are a group of plants that produce seeds without enclosing them in a protective fruit. Some of the important characters of gymnosperms include:
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Naked seeds: The seeds of gymnosperms are not enclosed within a fruit or ovary, but are instead exposed on the surface of cone-like structures.
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Pollen production: Gymnosperms produce pollen grains, which are usually carried by the wind to reach the female reproductive structures.
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Woody stems: Gymnosperms typically have woody stems, which provide structural support and allow the plants to grow tall.
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Evergreen leaves: Many gymnosperms retain their leaves throughout the year, rather than shedding them seasonally like deciduous trees.
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Adaptation to cold climates: Gymnosperms are adapted to survive in harsh, cold climates and are commonly found in coniferous forests at high latitudes or altitudes.
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Dominance during Mesozoic era: Gymnosperms were the dominant group of plants during the Mesozoic era, before the evolution and diversification of the flowering plants (angiosperms).
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Heterosporous: Most gymnosperms are heterosporous, meaning they produce two types of spores (microspores and megaspores) that give rise to male and female gametophytes, respectively.
These characters make gymnosperms unique and distinct from other groups of plants such as angiosperms (flowering plants) and pteridophytes (ferns and their allies).