Question

Most gymnosperms are
A) Xerophytic
B) Hydrophytic
C) Halophytic
D) Epiphytic

Answer 1

halophytic is the correct answer

Answer 2

Answer:

Option (A) Xerophytic

Explanation:

Gymnosperms represent the most primitive seed plants. These spermatophytic plants lack an ovary as ovules are enclosed with no ovary wall.

The Mesozoic era is regarded as the age of gymnosperms.

These are evergreen, woody, perennials, some are deciduous grow as trees or shrubs.

The gymnosperms show xerophytic traits and thus are xerophytes.

They possess thick bark, thick hypodermis, thick cuticle, scale leaves, sunken stomata, transfusion tissues.

These perennial woody plants have stems (profusely branched e.g.Pinus, Cedrus, or unbranched e.g. Cycas).

Leaves in gymnosperms are adapted very well to tolerate extreme temperature, water scarcity, and wind.

The needle-like leaves of Pinus (reduced surface area), sunken-type stomata, and thick cuticles help to reduce water loss.

Due to the presence of above mentioned xerophytic characters, most gymnosperms are xerophytic.

Hence option (A) Xerophytic is correct.