Question

Cycas is a connecting link between

• A. bryophytes and pteridophytes
• B. pteridophytes and gymnosperms
• C. gymnosperms and angiosperms
• D. thallophytes and bryophytes

Answer 1

The correct option is B pteridophytes and gymnosperms

The kingdom Plantae is divided into five main divisions based on the differentiation of the body, presence/absence of vascular tissues and type of seeds. The five divisions include Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteridophyta, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms.

The living organisms which possess the characteristics of two different evolutionary groups and form a link between them are called connecting links.

Below is the comparison of Cycas (which belong to the division gymnosperms) with pteridophytes.

Characteristics of Cycas as pteridophytes:
i. In Cycas and in some pteridophytes, they have sporangia (spores containing sacs) that occur in groups called sorus.
ii. Young leaves are circinate (uncoil) like pteridophyte.


Characteristics of Cycas as gymnosperms:
i. Like other gymnosperms, it has naked ovule and produces naked seeds (seeds are not covered with fruit).
ii. They produce cones which possess the reproductive structures.


Hence, Cycas is a connecting link between pteridophytes and gymnosperms.