
Where are gnotophytes found?
Where are Gnetophytes found? Gnetophyta plants are distributed around much of the world mostly in tropical and temperate climates. The genus Gnetum has a tropical distribution as is found in Southeast Asia , northern South America , the South Pacific and western Africa .
Where might you find pterophytes growing?
They are found all around the world, most commonly growing in rainforests on the trunks of trees but some species inhabit Arctic regions and the southern end of South America. The most significant difference between club mosses and other lycophytes is that club mosses only have one type of spore.
Is a gymnosperm vascular or nonvascular?
The first grouping is based on the presence or absence of flowers. Gymnosperms were the first plants with seeds. They are vascular plants and do not produce flowers. However, the seed is beneficial because it provides protection and food for the plant embryo. Examples of gymnosperms include conifers - or evergreens - and ginkgoes.
Where do gymnosperms live?
Gymnosperms are usually found in colder regions when snowfall occurs. However, cycads are found in dry and tropical regions. They are also found in temperate and boreal forest biomes, with populations that can thrive in both wet and dry environments.

What environment do gymnosperms live in?
Among the gymnosperms, only the conifers are major competitors with flowering plants. Having evolved in a dryer, cooler climate, conifers are better adapted to dry or cool habitats, and dominate forests in northern latitudes, at high elevations, and on sandy soils.
What is gymnosperm plants?
Gymnosperms are seed-bearing vascular plants, such as cycads, ginkgo, yews and conifers, in which the ovules or seeds are not enclosed in an ovary. The word "gymnosperm" comes from the Greek word gymnospermos, meaning "naked seeds".
What is gymnosperm and example?
GinkgoMelinjoParaná pineSago palmGiant sequoiaEastern white pineGymnosperm/Representative species
What is the most common example of a gymnosperm plant?
ConifersWhat are the most common gymnosperms? Conifers are the most common gymnosperms. Species include pine trees and their relatives. They bear two types of cones, a male cone that produces pollen, and a female cone that produces seeds.
What are five examples of gymnosperms?
Cycas, pinus, Thuja, Cedrus, Abies, Larix are some of the examples of gymnosperms.
Is Onion a gymnosperm?
No, onion is an angiosperm. It is a monocot.
What are the 4 examples of living gymnosperms?
The four main divisions of gymnosperms are Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta, and Gnetophyta. Gymnosperms are often found in temperate forest and boreal forest biomes. Common types of gymnosperms are conifers, cycads, ginkgoes, and gnetophytes.
Is coconut A gymnosperm?
No, coconuts are angiosperms. They belong to the family Arecaceae.
Which is the example of a gymnosperms *?
GinkgoMelinjoParaná pineSago palmGiant sequoiaEastern white pineGymnosperm/Representative species
Which gymnosperm plant is used as food?
Gymnosperms are a good source of food. Seeds of these non-flowering plants are widely used as an edible species, used for producing various food products. These plant species include: ginko, pinus, cycas, etc. A few species of gymnosperms are a good source of starch and are also used in the production of sago.
Is a pine tree a gymnosperm?
Conifers. 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.
Do gymnosperms produce fruit?
Gymnosperm seeds are usually formed in unisexual cones, known as strobili, and the plants lack fruits and flowers.
What are examples of gymnosperms plants?
Gymnosperms are vascular plants of the subkingdom Embyophyta and include conifers, cycads, ginkgoes, and gnetophytes. Some of the most recognizable examples of these woody shrubs and trees include pines, spruces, firs, and ginkgoes.
What is difference between gymnosperms and angiosperms?
The key difference between angiosperms and gymnosperms is how their seeds are developed. The seeds of angiosperms develop in the ovaries of flowers and are surrounded by a protective fruit. Gymnosperm seeds are usually formed in unisexual cones, known as strobili, and the plants lack fruits and flowers.
How do you identify a gymnosperm?
Gymnosperms are a taxonomic class that includes plants whose seeds are not enclosed in an ovule (like a pine cone). Gymnosperm means as "naked seed". Gymnosperms usually have needles that stay green throughout the year. Examples are pines, cedars, spruces and firs.
Is gymnosperm a flowering plant?
Whereas gymnosperms have no flowers or fruits and have naked seeds on the surface of their leaves. Gymnosperm seeds are configured as the cones.
What is gymnosperm?
Gymnosperm is a seed-producing plant that includes conifers, cycads, gnetophytes and ginkgos. They do not produce flowers or fruits and have naked...
Do gymnosperms have an embryo?
Yes, gymnosperms do have an embryo. In gymnosperms, the ovule becomes the seed encasing the embryo and endosperm in a seed coat, but it does not de...
Give a few examples of gymnosperms.
Cycas, pinus, Thuja, Cedrus, Abies, Larix are some of the examples of gymnosperms.
How are gymnosperms different from an angiosperm?
Angiosperms are called flowering plants, whereas gymnosperms are called non-flowering plants. Angiosperms have seeds enclosed in an ovary (a fruit)...
How are the gymnosperms classified?
The gymnosperms are classified as- Cycadophyta, Ginkophyta, Gnetophyta, Coniferophyta.
Which stage dominates the life cycle of gymnosperms?
The haploid stage is the dominant stage in the life cycle of the gymnosperms. In this stage, a multicellular haploid gametophyte develops from the...
Where are gymnosperms found?
Gymnosperms are usually found in colder regions when snowfall occurs. However, cycads are found in dry and tropical regions.
What are gymnosperms?
Various gymnosperms. The gymnosperms, also known as Acrogymnospermae, are a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes. The term gymnosperm comes from the composite word in Greek: γυμνόσπερμος ( γυμνός, gymnos, 'naked' and σπέρμα, sperma, 'seed'), literally meaning 'naked seeds'.
How many species of gymnosperms are there?
Diversity and origin. Over 1000 living species of gymnosperm exist. It is widely accepted that the gymnosperms originated in the late Carboniferous period, replacing the lycopsid rainforests of the tropical region.
What are the two types of spores?
Two spore types, microspores (male) and megaspores (female), are typically produced in pollen cones or ovulate cones, respectively. Gametophytes, as with all heterosporous plants, develop within the spore wall. Pollen grains (microgametophytes) mature from microspores, and ultimately produce sperm cells. Megagametophytes develop from megaspores and ...
What is the name of the tree that has a fern-like morphology?
The fossil record of gymnosperms includes many distinctive taxa that do not belong to the four modern groups, including seed-bearing trees that have a somewhat fern -like vegetative morphology (the so-called "seed ferns" or pteridosperms ).
How do megagametophytes develop?
Megagametophytes develop from megaspores and are retained within the ovule . Gymnosperms produce multiple archegonia, which produce the female gamete. During pollination, pollen grains are physically transferred between plants from the pollen cone to the ovule. Pollen is usually moved by wind or insects.
What is the largest group of gymnosperms?
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. Some genera have mycorrhiza, fungal associations ...
What is the non-encased condition of seeds?
The non-encased condition of their seeds contrasts with the seeds and ovules of flowering plants ( angiosperms ), which are enclosed within an ovary. 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.
What is a gymnosperm?
Gymnosperms are a group of woody, vascular plants with seeds but without flowers or fruit. The seeds of gymnosperm plants sit exposed on cones rather than enclosed in a fruit as they are with angiosperm plants. Gymnosperms can grow into magnificent structures and are the largest, tallest and oldest organisms on Earth.
How many gymnosperms are there in the gnetophytes?
The gnetophytes are a strange group of plants. They include approximately 70 species of gymnosperms that each exhibit a number of flowering characteristics and are potentially the predecessors to all angiosperm plants.
How tall can a ginko grow?
They include some incredible trees such as the Giant Sequoias of North America that can grow over 110 m tall. Gingkos are woody, non-flowering plants. Only one solitary species, Ginkgo biloba, remains on Earth and is found naturally in a small area of China but has been widespread by humans.
How many species of cyclads are there?
Cycads are a small group of around 250 gymnosperm tree and shrub species. They often look similar to palm trees with branchless stems and a crown of leaves at the top of the tree, but they are not at all closely related to palms.
What are Gymnosperms?
The word “Gymnosperm” comes from the Greek words “gymnos” (naked) and “sperma” (seed), hence known as “Naked seeds.” Gymnosperms are the seed-producing plants, but unlike angiosperms, they produce seeds without fruits. These plants develop on the surface of scales or leaves, or at the end of stalks forming a cone-like structure.
When did gymnosperms first appear?
The fossil evidence suggested that they originated during the Paleozoic era, about 390 million years ago .
How are stigmas pollinated?
Since stigma is absent, they are pollinated directly by the wind.
What are the characteristics of gymnosperms?
Following are the important characteristics of gymnosperms: They do not produce flowers. Seeds are not formed inside a fruit. They are naked. They are found in colder regions where snowfall occurs. They develop needle-like leaves. They are perennial or woody, forming trees or bushes.
Can gymnosperms be branched?
It remains exposed before and after fertilisation and before developing into a seed. The stem of gymnosperms can be branched or unbranched. The thick cuticle, needle-like leaves, and sunken stomata reduce the rate of water loss in these plants.
Where are cyclads found?
Cycads are usually found in the tropics and subtropics. Some members have adapted to dry arid conditions and some also have adapted to oxygen-poor swampy environments.
Is a gymnosperm a plant?
Gymnosperms are non-flowering plants belonging to the sub-kingdom Embophyta. The seeds are not enclosed in an ovary or fruit. They are exposed on the surface of the leaf-like structures of the gymnosperms. They can be classified as Coniferophyta, Cycadophyta, Ginkgophyta and Gnetophyta.
Where are pits located in gymnosperms?
In gymnosperms pits are found in three locations: intersections of longitudinal parenchyma and ray parenchyma cells, radial walls of adjacent longitudinal tracheids, and intersections of longitudinal tracheids with ray parenchyma or ray tracheids. Simple pits between adjacent parenchyma cells are thin, membrane-like structures comprising the middle lamella and the primary cell walls. A bordered pit pair has overarching structures on the lumen side of each cell wall surrounding apertures between two adjacent longitudinal tracheids (Fig. 4). Each bordered pit pair encloses a web-like microfibril structure called a margo that supports (except in western redcedar ( Thuja plicata )) a central and much less permeable torus, the assembly acting as a valve to open or close the openings between tracheids ( Fig. 5 ). When the torus is moved enough to block the pit aperture, as by surface tension during wood drying, the pit is said to be aspirated ( Fig. 6). Longitudinal tracheids and ray tracheids are also interconnected via bordered pits, but the pits are much smaller than those between longitudinal tracheids.
How many cells are in a gymnosperm pollen grain?
The gymnosperm pollen grain consists of four cells, the tube cell, the generative cell, and two prothallial cells.
What is the function of angiosperm vessels?
Angiosperm vessels function primarily to transport water and are individually shorter than tracheids (b). Angiosperm fibers provide the main mechanical structure in angiosperm wood (c). Angiosperm vessels and fibers (d) have the same basic cell wall structure (S 1 –S 3) as do gymnosperms (see Figure 27(e) ).
How do microsporocytes divide?
Within the male cones the many microsporocytes undergo meiosis, each producing four microspores per meiotic event. These microspores then divide by mitosis each forming a male microgametophyte ( pollen grain ). In gymnosperms (and the later angiosperm lineage) the microgametophyte is reduced to a structure containing just a few cells. Pollination, the transfer of pollen to the megagametophyte, in gymnosperms is carried out by the wind and the pollen grains possess two air sacs to aid this process. Hence pollen provided a novel mechanism for transfer of the sperm to the egg cell, with free liquid water no longer being necessary. The gymnosperm pollen grain consists of four cells, the tube cell, the generative cell, and two prothallial cells. This microgametophyte is not fully mature and only becomes so after it has been transferred to the megagametophyte.
Where does callose occur?
This contrasts with the slow growth of gymnosperm pollen tubes. Callose also occurs in the cell plate, although transiently, whenever it is formed during cell division, suggesting that it is necessary for the function of the cell plate.
How are pollen tubes formed?
Pollen tubes are formed, through which male nuclei are transported to the egg cells. After fertilization, the embryo develops inside the megasporangium wall, resulting in a seed that may be dispersed by wind or animal vectors. For example, the seeds of pinyon pine are dispersed by nutcrackers.
Where is MiR164 found?
miR164 is found in dicots, monocots, and gymnosperms, indicating that, much like its target NAC genes, it was likely present in the last common ancestor of gymnosperms and angiosperms ( Section 15.2.1.2; Axtell and Bartel, 2005 ). Multiple genes code for miR164: 3 in Arabidopsis but up to 12 in soybean. Mature miR164 genes encoded by different members can be identical, such as in soybean, or show small sequence variations as in Arabidopsis in which mature miR164c differs by one nucleotide from mature mir164a or mir164b. An evo-devo study of the MIR164 family suggests that two lineages were present in the last common ancestor of extant angiosperms: a B clade containing the Arabidopsis MIR164B gene whose members tend to be highly expressed in roots; and another clade whose members, such as the Arabidopsis MIR164A and C genes, tend to be less expressed in roots than in other tissues ( Jasinski et al., 2010 ).
What is a gymnosperm?
Gymnosperms are plants that produce naked seeds. Move through the stages of life with the gymnosperm during this lesson and discover what happens during the haploid and diploid stages of the gymnosperm's life cycle. Updated: 08/18/2021
Why are gymnosperms unique?
Gymnosperms are unique plants because they produce naked seeds. This alternation of generations in gymnosperms, such as pine trees, means that there are multicellular stages that are haploid and diploid. We first looked at the haploid stage, which starts as either a male or a female spore that develops into a gametophyte. The male microgametophyte is contained in pollen grains and the female megagametophyte is found in the ovulate cone.
How do conifers develop?
There, the egg is fertilized by the sperm, and the conifer moves into the diploid stage of the life cycle. This new diploid seed will be released from the ovulate cone and again carried by the wind. Hopefully, it will develop into a mature sporophyte, which is the structure you think of when you think of pine trees.
When do gametophytes travel?
However, at some point, usually in the spring, the tree will release large amounts of pollen. These pollen grains that contain the male gametophyte will travel by air and hopefully land on an ovulate cone. A pollen tube then develops in order for the newly produced male gamete to reach and fertilize the female gamete.
When do diploid cells begin to form?
The diploid - and dominant - stage of life will begin once fertilization occurs. Remember that fertilization is the fusion of an egg and sperm. Both the egg and sperm are haploid, so when they fuse together, we now have one diploid cell. Interestingly enough, pollination normally happens about a full year before fertilization in conifers.
Do gymnosperms produce flowers?
Gymnosperms produce seeds but not flowers, such as the examples shown here. Gymnosperms are vascular plants that produce seeds but not flowers. These plants are more advanced than ferns but not quite as complicated as flowering plants. Common examples of gymnosperms include ginkgos and pine trees.
Is a Garblinx haploid or diploid?
Diploid. However, when it moves into the haploid stage, the Garblinx looks completely different! Two of these haploid organisms will get together and mate in order to produce a new 2 n organism that looks similar to our first Garblinx. This Garblinx will then eventually produce a new haploid organism, and so on.
What is a gymnosperm?
Gymnosperms are seed-bearing vascular plants, such as cycads, ginkgo, yews and conifers, in which the ovules or seeds are not enclosed in an ovary. The word "gymnosperm" comes from the Greek word gymnospermos, meaning "naked seeds".
How many species of gymnosperms are there?
There are around 1000 species of gymnosperm . You can also browse genera found in Gymnosperms. View statistics at the bottom of the page.
What are the three gymnosperms found in India?
The following points highlight the top three gymnosperms found in India. The gymnosperms are: 1. Cycadales 2. Gnetales 3. Coniferales.
Where does Pinus gerardiana grow?
Pinus gerardiana (vern. Chilgoza) occurs on the Himalayan flanks extending from Punjab to Afghanistan and Baluchistan ranging within the altitudes of 5000 to 12000 feet. Pinus insularis grows in Khasia and Chittagong hills. Two species of Podocarpus (P.neerifolia and P. wallichianus) occur in India.
How many genera of coniferales are there in the world?
Out of 54 living genera of Coniferales in the world, ten have been reported from different parts of India. These are Abies, Cedrus, Cephalotaxus, Cupressus, Juniperus, Larix, Picea, Pinus, Podocarpus and Tsuga. The distribution of the majority of these members is restricted mainly in the Himalayas, and governed chiefly by altitudes.
What are the names of the plants that grow in Nilgiris?
There include Araucaria cooki and A. cunninghamii of Araucariaceae, Thuja occidentalis and Cupressus cashmeriana of Cupressaceae. Callitris cupressi of Cupressaceae is grown as a hedge plant in Nilgiris, whereas Cryptomeria japonica of Taxodiaceae is grown in Darjeeling and other areas.
Where do abies grow?
Abies is represented in the country by only 4 species, of which A. delavayi and A. densa grow in eastern Himalayas, whereas A. pindrow and A. spectabilis are restricted to western Himalayas. A. pindrow grows luxuriantly at about 2500 metres above sea level, whereas A. delavayi occurs commonly at an altitude of about 2750-3350 metres above sea level. A. densa grows luxuriantly in Darjeeling and adjacent hills.
Where does Larix griffithiana grow?
Larix griffithiana occurs generally mixed with Abies, Pinus and Tsuga in Sikkim, Chumbi valley of Tibet, Bhutan and Mishmi Hills in Assam. Picea smithiana grows in western Himalayas and attains a height of about 60 metres.
Where do Podocarpus grow?
Two species of Podocarpus (P.neerifolia and P. wallichianus) occur in India. The former grows in Andaman Islands and eastern Himalayas, whereas latter grows in Nilgiri hills and Assam. Tsuga dumosa grows luxuriently in Darjeeling and adjacent regions, along with Abies densa, above an altitude of 2700 metres.

Overview
The gymnosperms (pronunciation (help·info) lit. revealed seeds) are a group of seed-producing plants that includes conifers, cycads, Ginkgo, and gnetophytes, forming the clade Gymnospermae, the living members of which are also known as Acrogymnospermae. The term gymnosperm comes from the composite word in Greek: γυμνόσπερμος (γυμνός, gymnos, 'naked' and σπέρμα, sperma, 's…
Classification
A formal classification of the living gymnosperms is the "Acrogymnospermae", which form a monophyletic group within the spermatophytes. The wider "Gymnospermae" group includes extinct gymnosperms and is thought to be paraphyletic. The fossil record of gymnosperms includes many distinctive taxa that do not belong to the four modern groups, including seed-bearing trees that have a somewhat fern-like vegetative morphology (the so-called "seed ferns" or pteridosperms). …
Diversity and origin
Over 1000 living species of gymnosperm exist. It was previously widely accepted that the gymnosperms originated in the Late Carboniferous period, replacing the lycopsid rainforests of the tropical region, but more recent phylogenetic evidence indicates that they diverged from the ancestors of angiosperms during the Early Carboniferous. The radiation of gymnosperms du…
Uses
Gymnosperms have major economic uses. Pine, fir, spruce, and cedar are all examples of conifers that are used for lumber, paper production, and resin. Some other common uses for gymnosperms are soap, varnish, nail polish, food, gum, and perfumes.
Life cycle
Gymnosperms, like all vascular plants, have a sporophyte-dominant life cycle, which means they spend most of their life cycle with diploid cells, while the gametophyte (gamete-bearing phase) is relatively short-lived. Like all seed plants, they are heterosporous, having two spore types, microspores (male) and megaspores (female) that are typically produced in pollen cones or ovulate co…
Genetics
The first published sequenced genome for any gymnosperm was the genome of Picea abies in 2013.
General bibliography
• Cantino, Philip D.; Doyle, James A.; Graham, Sean W.; Judd, Walter S.; Olmstead, Richard G.; Soltis, Douglas E.; Soltis, Pamela S.; Donoghue, Michael J. (August 2007). "Towards a phylogenetic nomenclature of Tracheophyta". Taxon. 56 (3): 822–846. doi:10.2307/25065864. JSTOR 25065864.
External links
• Gymnosperm Database
• Gymnosperms on the Tree of Life
• Albert Seward (1911). "Gymnosperms" . Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.).