HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Gymnosperms are seed-bearing plants. The seeds lack an outer covering, and thus these seeds are named as naked seeds. These are higher order plants showing high adaptability to terrestrial environments.

Detailed explanation-2: -Gymnosperms have an advanced root foundation and are made up of vascular tissues, whereas pteridophytes are divided into root systems, stalks, and leaflets. In pteridophytes, the main part of evolution i.e the seed is missing. Hence, gymnosperms are viewed as further developed.

Detailed explanation-3: -Unlike bryophyte and fern spores (which are haploid cells dependent on moisture for rapid development of gametophytes), seeds contain a diploid embryo that will germinate into a sporophyte. Storage tissue to sustain growth and a protective coat give seeds their superior evolutionary advantage.