Question

Ovules are naked in gymnosperm, because

• A. Fertilisation is absent
• B. True carpels are absent
• C. Archegonia are absent
• D. Endosperm is absent

Answer 1

The correct option is B True carpels are absent

The gymnosperms do not have petals or flowers, but they do produce seeds. The name 'Gymnosperm' means, 'naked seeds' and refers to the fact that the gymnosperms bears their seeds on the margins of modified leaves or cones.

There are no sealed carpels, like those that define angiosperms. Although gymnosperms do have ovules, they do not have ovaries, pistils or stamens. Since the term 'fruit' refers to the mature ovary, gymnosperms do not in botanical usage have 'fruit' and the reproductive stages are referred to as cones.

Hence the correct option is B.