AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -gymnosperm, any vascular plant that reproduces by means of an exposed seed, or ovule-unlike angiosperms, or flowering plants, whose seeds are enclosed by mature ovaries, or fruits. The seeds of many gymnosperms (literally, “naked seeds”) are borne in cones and are not visible until maturity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gymnosperms. These seed plants do not have flowers or fruit-their seeds are held in cones. Next time you pick up a pine cone, look for loose seeds inside. Male cones make pollen, which is carried to female cones by the wind.

Detailed explanation-3: -Most gymnosperms produce seeds in structures called cones or strobili (singular strobilus; Figure 8.1. 2). Cones evolved from modified leaves, and they can either be male cones that produce pollen, or female cones that produce ovules.

Detailed explanation-4: -Conifers like the spruce, cedar and pine tree are gymnosperms and have seeds on cones. Most coniferous trees are evergreen and are specially adapted to survive in areas with lots of snow.

Detailed explanation-5: -Gymnosperm seeds develop either on the surface of scales or leaves, which are often modified to form cones, or solitary as in yew, Torreya, Ginkgo.