Question

Which of the following statements is correct ?

• A. Ovules are not enclosed by ovary wall in gymnosperms.
• B. Horsetails are gymnosperms.
• C. Selaginella is heterosporous, while Salvinia is homosporous.
• D. Stems are usually unbranched in both Cycas and Cedrus.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the correct statement, let's analyze each option with relevant biological concepts:

1. Statement: Ovules are not enclosed by ovary wall in gymnosperms.

   Explanation: Gymnosperms are a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes. In gymnosperms, the ovules are "naked," meaning they are not enclosed within an ovary. They are exposed on the scales or leaves that often form cones. Therefore, this statement is correct.

2. Statement: Horsetails are gymnosperms.

   Explanation: Horsetails belong to the group of plants known as Pteridophytes, not gymnosperms. They are vascular plants, but they reproduce by spores rather than seeds and do not have "naked" seeds. Thus, this statement is incorrect.

3. Statement: Selaginella is heterosporous, while Salvinia is homosporous.

   Explanation: Selaginella is known to be heterosporous, meaning it produces two different types of spores (microspores and megaspores). However, Salvinia is also heterosporous, not homosporous. This makes the statement incorrect.

4. Statement: Stems are usually unbranched in both Cycas and Cedrus.

   Explanation: Cycas typically have unbranched stems, whereas Cedrus (a genus of coniferous trees) usually has branched stems. Therefore, this statement is not correct.

From the analysis above, the correct answer is that gymnosperms have ovules that are not enclosed by an ovary wall. Hence, the accurate statement is:

Correct Statement: Ovules are not enclosed by the ovary wall in gymnosperms.