AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Cones: The reproductive structures of gymnosperms. Female cones are larger. Meiosis produces megaspores (haploid), which will develop into female gametophytes, which are retained in the female cone.

Detailed explanation-2: -Strobilus or cone is the reproductive structure of gymnosperms. Both male and female strobili can be present on the same (seen in Pinus) or on different trees (seen in Cycas). Gymnosperm plants are heterosporous. They produce different spores, which are the haploid microspores and megaspores.

Detailed explanation-3: -By far the most abundant group of gymnosperms is the conifers: pines, spruces, firs, hemlocks, cypresses, cedars, junipers, redwoods and relatives.

Detailed explanation-4: -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-5: -By far the largest group of living gymnosperms are the conifers (pines, cypresses, and relatives), followed by cycads, gnetophytes (Gnetum, Ephedra and Welwitschia), and Ginkgo biloba (a single living species). About 65% of gymnosperms are dioecious, but conifers are almost all monoecious.