Question

A plant having seeds but lacking flowers and fruits belongs to

• A. pteridophytes
• B. mosses
• C. ferns
• D. gymnosperms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To understand which group a plant belongs to, especially one that has seeds but lacks flowers and fruits, we need to examine the characteristics of different plant groups.

Let's analyze each option:

1. Pteridophytes: These are vascular plants (they have xylem and phloem) but do not produce seeds. Instead, they reproduce via spores. Examples include ferns and horsetails.
2. Mosses: Belonging to the bryophytes, mosses are non-vascular plants and reproduce via spores. They lack true roots, stems, and leaves.
3. Ferns: While often mistaken for seed plants, ferns also reproduce through spores and are non-seed bearing, similar to pteridophytes.
4. Gymnosperms: These are seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits. The seeds are often exposed on the surface of cone scales. Examples include pine trees and conifers.

Given the characteristics described in the question, gymnosperms are the group to which a plant having seeds but lacking flowers and fruits belongs. Gymnosperms are known for their "naked seeds," which are not enclosed in an ovary; hence, they do not produce fruits or flowers, unlike angiosperms (flowering plants).

Conclusion: The correct answer is gymnosperms.