Question

Why are gymnosperms called heterosporous?

Answer 1

Gymnosperms:

1. Gymnosperms are seed-producing, vascular plants but don't produce flowers or fruits.
2. Spores are the reproductive cells that are unicellular and are capable of developing into new whole organisms.
3. Homosporous plants produce only a single type of spores while heterosporous plants generate two different kinds of spores.
4. Gymnosperms are heterosporous in nature and produce both male and female cones.
5. The cones give rise to spores that participate in fertilization.
6. The female cone produces megaspores, the female gametophytes while the male cones give rise to pollen grains, the microspore male gametophytes.